Galleria Cavour Bologna is pleased to promote and host BARBIE COUTURE, an international exhibition dedicated to the world's most famous doll. Over time, Barbie has evolved into a true cultural manifesto, a symbol of female empowerment, and a muse for top fashion designers worldwide.

This initiative is part of the cultural project promoted by Gioia Martini, designed to reinforce Galleria Cavour's role as a meeting place for fashion, art, and contemporary culture.

The Exhibition

Conceived by Contemporary Concept under the artistic direction of Gaetano La Mantia and curated by Alessandra Lepri, the exhibition offers an immersive, high-impact visual journey where the iconic pink color—universally associated with Barbie—becomes both an architectural and narrative element.

Visitors will be able to admire an extraordinary selection of over 200 items from Paola Felli's private collection, built over thirty years of research, including:

• Special editions and limited runs
• OOAK (One Of A Kind) creations: unique models crafted by international fashion houses and world-renowned designers.

 

Visitor info

Open to the public: From September 19 to November 20, 2026 (Free admission))

• Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Sunday: by appointment only

For information and bookings: contemporaryconceptevents@gmail.com

 

CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES

WHAT SHALL I WEAR?

Sunday 25 October, 10.00–11.00

Barbie dolls tell the story of fashion through clothes, accessories and details that reflect different eras and styles. During the workshop, children will discover how tastes and trends change over time and, like real fashion designers, will create their own personalised paper doll, drawing inspiration from the models on display.

Suitable for children aged 6 to 10.

Cost: €7 per child, €3 per adult (one adult must accompany every two children).

CREATE YOUR OWN PAPER BARBIE

Sunday 25 October, 11.30 am–12.30 pm

Sunday 8 November, 11.30 am–12.30 pm

How is a doll made? Through a creative workshop, participants will discover the various stages of design, from conceiving the character to choosing outfits, colours and accessories. An experience that combines imagination, manual skills and creativity to create a Barbie, starting from the drawing, through to its most fashionable details, resulting in a fully personalised Barbie. Using colours, materials and accessories, each participant will bring to life a unique and personal character.

Suitable for children aged 6 to 10.

Cost: €7 per child, €3 per adult (one adult must be present for every two children).

ADULT TOUR – SMALL COLLECTIBLE MASTERPIECES

Saturday 7 November, 10.30–11.30 am and 11.30 am–12.30 pm

A guided tour dedicated to the most significant collectable Barbies in the exhibition. A journey through fashion, design, pop culture and fascinating facts, exploring how a simple doll became an international icon. A journey through designer Barbies, special editions and creations inspired by haute couture. The tour explores the cultural, aesthetic and collectable value of the pieces on display.

Cost: €5 per person.

IN SEARCH OF THE HIDDEN STORY

Saturday 7 November, 3.00–4.00 pm

Every Barbie holds a story made up of details, accessories and little clues. Through observation games and storytelling activities, participants will transform the dolls on display into the protagonists of tales created from their own imagination: in this way, Barbie will become a source of inspiration for new adventures!

Suitable for children aged 6 to 10.

Cost: €7 per child, €3 per adult (one adult must accompany every two children).

IN SEARCH OF THE MISSING BARBIE

Sunday 8 November, 10.00–11.00

An exciting treasure hunt through the exhibition galleries. Puzzles, challenges and clues will guide participants on their quest to find the missing Barbie, putting their powers of observation, memory and team spirit to the test. Who will be the sharpest at solving the puzzles? Who will be the best at spotting clues? A fun challenge that turns the visit into an investigation full of clues and evidence.

Suitable for children aged 6 to 10.

Cost: €7 per child, €3 per adult (one adult must accompany every two children).

 

For bookings and payments, please email: info@prospectiva.art