Design Museum
Museum of contemporary design in a landmark 1960s building by Holland Park, with a free permanent display and changing paid exhibitions.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Design Museum was founded in 1989 by Sir Terence Conran, with Stephen Bayley as its first chief executive, building on their earlier Boilerhouse project at the Victoria and Albert Museum. It first occupied a converted 1940s warehouse on the south bank of the Thames at Shad Thames.
After a donation from Conran, the museum moved in 2016 to a much larger site in Kensington, in the former Commonwealth Institute building. This Grade II* listed 1960s building has a distinctive listed roof. A design team led by the architect John Pawson converted the interior, which gave the museum about three times more space than before. In 2018 it won the European Museum of the Year Award.
The museum covers architecture, fashion, graphics, product and digital design. Its free permanent display, Designer Maker User, uses objects from the collection to show how modern design developed through the roles of the designer, the maker and the user. Paid exhibitions in two galleries explore single designers or themes, and the museum also runs the annual Designs of the Year awards.
The museum is a registered charity. It is currently carrying out a Transformation 2029 plan ahead of its 40th anniversary, which includes refurbishing its shop and cafe spaces.
Highlights
- Designer Maker User, the free permanent collection display on Level 2
- Changing exhibitions on architecture, fashion, graphics and product design
- The landmark Grade II* listed 1960s building with its curved roof
- Free digital guide through the Bloomberg Connects app
- Family Design Camps for ages 7 to 14
Permanent exhibition
- Designer Maker User – A free display of objects from the museum's collection that traces modern design through the roles of the designer, the maker and the user.
- Founded
- 1989
- Operated by
- Design Museum (registered charity)
- Director
- Tim Marlow
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Reduced | –Visitors aged 65 and over, visitors with disabilities, NHS staff, recipients of Universal Credit or Jobseeker's Allowance, and Museum Association members (for paid exhibitions) |
|---|---|
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · Paid exhibitions are available at a concession rate for visitors with disabilities, and an accompanying carer is free. |
| Students & apprentices | –A student ticket is available for paid exhibitions to people aged 16 and over in full-time education, with a student card. |
The permanent display Designer Maker User and other free displays can be visited without a ticket. Temporary exhibitions in the main galleries are paid, and booking in advance is recommended. Members enter all exhibitions free at any time. The museum accepts card and digital payments only.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description
Wheelchairs can be reserved online up to midnight the day before. Blue Badge parking for two cars (or one van) is next to the entrance and should be pre-booked online. Assistance dogs are welcome, and the nearest dog toilet is in Holland Park. Large-print guides and sensory maps are available, and the museum runs BSL tours, audio-described tours and relaxed openings for selected exhibitions. Wheelchair users can be dropped off on Hollandgreen Place next to the museum. Lifts serve the different levels.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
The museum offers hands-on Design Camps for ages 7 to 14 in school holidays and online activities to do at home. Members get discounts on learning events.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
High Street Kensington station · 10-min walk
High Street Kensington station (District and Circle lines) is a 10-minute walk. Holland Park (Central line), Kensington Olympia (Overground) and Earl's Court stations are about 15 minutes on foot. Buses 9, 10, 27, 28, 49 and C1 stop near the museum.
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
The museum has no car park. Cycle parking is in front of the museum and along Kensington High Street.
- Accessible parking
The museum is on the corner of Earl's Court Road and Kensington High Street, at the entrance to Holland Park, outside the Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone. Coaches can drop off and pick up on Kensington High Street west of Holland Green Place.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
- Lockers
- Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is offered during the visit; users need to set up an account. The Design Kitchen is on Level 2, the small Design Cafe on the ground floor is currently being refurbished, and a pop-up shop is on Level G. Lockers on Level -1 cost a £1 coin (non-refundable); tokens can be bought in the shop. Food and drink are not allowed in the galleries, only bottled water.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
- Weddings / ceremonies
Event spaces are available for receptions, conferences, dinners, weddings, filming and brand activations.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography and filming on personal devices are allowed without flash. Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed, and 'No Photography' signs must be followed. |
| Good to know | A free digital guide is available in the Bloomberg Connects app. Most visitors spend at least an hour in the largest gallery. Schools and learning groups must pre-book self-guided visits. |
