About the Design Museum
The Design Museum is the United Kingdom’s leading museum devoted to contemporary design, and since 2016 it has occupied a stunning landmark building at 224-238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG. Housed in the former Commonwealth Institute, the museum’s striking parabolic roof and sunken courtyard make it one of the most recognisable cultural buildings in west London.
The museum celebrates design in all its forms — architecture, fashion, graphics, product design, digital innovation and more. Its permanent collection and blockbuster temporary exhibitions explore how design shapes the way we live, work and play, making it a must-visit for creatives, students, families and anyone curious about the objects around them.
What to Expect
Expect world-class exhibitions that change throughout the year, alongside a permanent collection charting the story of design over the past century. Recent and current highlights include major retrospectives of leading cultural figures, with detailed displays of original sketches, prototypes and finished objects.
The museum also offers talks, workshops, family activities and late-night opening events, plus an excellent shop and a café with views over the courtyard. Allow at least two hours to explore the galleries properly.
Getting There
The Design Museum is a short walk from High Street Kensington Underground station (District and Circle lines). Earl’s Court station is also nearby, and buses 9, 27, 28 and 49 stop close by. The museum is fully accessible, with lifts serving all exhibition floors.
Discover more things to do in the capital on the London city page or browse the complete UK events list.
Tickets & Opening Times
The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. Admission prices vary by exhibition; the permanent collection is often free, while major exhibitions are ticketed with concessions for students, children and National Art Pass holders. Book in advance on the official website: designmuseum.org.
The Design Museum is also home to an acclaimed learning programme, with workshops and activities for schools, families and adults, plus regular evening events such as late openings and panel discussions with designers and curators. Its location in Kensington places it within easy reach of the rest of the museum quarter, making it simple to combine a visit with other cultural highlights in west London.
More Events at the Design Museum
One of the museum’s current headline exhibitions is Wes Anderson: The Archives — the first retrospective of the filmmaker’s personal archive, featuring more than 600 original objects.
