I’ve been dying to go to the Barbie Expo since it opened in Montreal. When a Canadian trip became preferable due to the pandemic, I jumped at the chance to finally visit! It’s a free exhibit inside a mall downtown. Les Cours Mont-Royal is steps away from Universel, which is one of my favourite restaurants for breakfast. Super convenient!
First, I walked around and admired all the dolls in glass cases. There were dolls representing different countries, dolls wearing designer labels, dolls in costumes and most importantly, celebrity dolls. Years ago, I bought dolls who looked like S Club 7, Spice Girls and Mary-Kate and Ashley, but I haven’t added any to my collection recently. It was also interesting to see the celebrity dolls after spending so much time at Madame Tussauds with celebrity wax figures.
At the entrance, there are dolls walking down a revolving runway and dolls celebrating frontline workers in healthcare and retail. There is also a case dedicated to Times Square in New York featuring yellow taxis, street style and Broadway musicals.
Many of the dolls on display at the Barbie Expo are too precious for young kids to play with and are likely designed for nostalgic adults like me to collect. I would buy many of them if I could! My favourite dolls at the Barbie Expo were the brides and the one inspired by Elle Woods from Legally Blonde.
I’ve spent the last 5 years doing marketing for Kim Kardashian: Hollywood, which is all about dressing up a virtual doll. I’ve had Barbie on the brain nonstop and I love following her on Instagram! Visiting the Barbie Expo seemed like a no-brainer and it’s a must-see. You can even step inside a human-sized Barbie doll box for a photo op.
The Barbie Expo is very impressive, clean and quiet. While you’re there, you’ll have an opportunity to donate to Make-A-Wish and bring joyful experiences to children with critical illness. It was so much fun to check out the Barbie Expo and if it’s still there next time I’m in Montreal, I’ll go again! It was worth the wait. Visit the Barbie Expo website for more information.
