Step into a Barbie world here in Canada’s capital

There’s been a flood of excitement following the Barbie movie’s release, and many are surprised to discover Ottawa has a Barbie museum.

A local Barbie collector has been running a business at Stittsville’s Carp Road Flea Market since 1996, displaying Barbie collectibles spanning over six decades.

Elizabeth Kondruss told The Sam Laprade Show on July 24, she has around 3,000 items on display, each reflecting a part of history. Barbie collectibles for viewing include dolls, cars, and houses, with some dating back to the 1960s.

“Looking back at the decades, you can see all the changes in fashion,” she said. “Barbie has always kept up with the fashion of the day.”

Kondruss explained, while she was gifted her first Barbie at the age of five, she became a collector a few years later, at nine years old in 1965.

“I have around 24,000 items, which I’m in the process of trying to catalogue for Guinness (World Records) because I, unofficially, have the largest collection in the world,” said Kondruss.

The museum has triple in size since 2021, with more and more visiting the museum, each year, she added.

“Since the movie, there has been even more of a response,” said Kondruss. “Many are saying thank you for showing this collection and the history.”

Kondruss explains Barbie is more than a doll, she represents the times and is a part of history – and adds, she represents a type of magic and creativity in our lives.