The Design Museum is devoted to contemporary design, from fashion and graphics to architecture, technology and everyday products. On Kensington High Street beside Holland Park, it pairs changing exhibitions with Designer Maker User, a free permanent display of objects from the 20th and 21st centuries. The building is part of the visit too: its modern interior sits within the former Commonwealth Institute. Look for familiar objects presented through the choices behind their design, then browse the shop for books and functional design pieces. Special exhibitions require a paid ticket.
A museum for design in everyday life
The Design Museum covers contemporary design across product, industrial, graphic and fashion design, as well as architecture. Its displays connect objects with the people who design, make and use them, showing how choices about form and function shape daily life.
The permanent exhibition, Designer Maker User, brings together nearly 1,000 objects from 20th- and 21st-century design. Familiar products sit alongside furniture and other influential works. The collection is free to visit, so you can explore the museum even if you do not book a ticket for a temporary show.
The building and its history
The museum was founded by designer Sir Terence Conran in 1989. In 2016 it moved to Kensington, taking over the former Commonwealth Institute building on Kensington High Street. The Grade II-listed Modernist structure was given a new interior by architect John Pawson.
The building has a calm, spacious interior and a distinctive curved roof. Its design is part of the experience: look up as you move through the galleries, and notice how the spaces frame the displays. The museum is near Holland Park, making the park an option to add to a day in the area.
Temporary exhibitions and the shop
A changing programme brings design into conversation with subjects such as fashion, cinema, architecture and technology. Past exhibitions have included displays on Wes Anderson’s films and the work of Nigo. Topics change, so check the museum’s official website for the current programme and ticket details before travelling.
The shop focuses on objects that combine practical use with considered design. Its range has included books on typography and graphic design, notebooks, calculators, lamps and small music-making devices. It is a useful stop if you want a design-focused gift, even when your visit is centred on the galleries.
Planning your visit
Entry to the permanent collection is free, while temporary exhibitions can require paid tickets. Advance booking is recommended for ticketed shows. The museum has lifts, wheelchair-accessible entrances and facilities, and wheelchairs may be borrowed when arranged ahead.
There is a small cafe on site, though it can be busy. The museum also has a restaurant. Families can look out for learning activities and workshops, which have included programmes for children and young people. Check the official website for current exhibitions, events and access arrangements.
FAQ
Is the Design Museum free to enter?
The permanent collection is free to visit. Temporary exhibitions may require a paid ticket.
How long do you need at the Design Museum?
Allow around one to two hours. The permanent collection can take about an hour to see, while a temporary exhibition adds time.
Do you need to book tickets in advance?
Advance booking is recommended for paid exhibitions, particularly if you want to visit a specific show.
Is the Design Museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The museum has wheelchair-accessible entrances and lifts. Wheelchairs can be borrowed if arranged ahead.
