Whether you’re popping in for a quick coffee-on-the-go or planning to spend hours exploring, the Design Museum offers an experience that caters to all. The museum remains open and welcoming, following advice from the UK Government and Public Health England, ensuring that health and safety protocols are in place while you enjoy its displays.
The museum’s temporary exhibitions change regularly, showcasing fresh ideas that push the boundaries of design. These exhibitions are not just for design enthusiasts;
They aim to show how design can be a best friend to humanity, making the world more innovative and accessible. There’s always more to discover, whether you’re admiring the latest design trends or learning how design influences everyday life.
With no change to visiting hours, you can enjoy the museum for free and take in its exhibitions at your own pace. It’s a space where each visit brings something new, whether you’re finding out about cutting-edge design ideas or simply enjoying the creative atmosphere. No matter how much time you have, you’ll leave feeling inspired and enriched by the endless possibilities design offers.
Things to See at the Design Museum in London!- The Short Answer
The Design Museum in London offers a variety of experiences, from free exhibitions to interactive displays, showcasing the evolution of design in fields like architecture, fashion, and engineering. Located at 224-238 Kensington High Street, it’s open daily and offers a free family-friendly trail. You can watch a 3D printer in action, explore the museum’s historic building, and even design a car in the Design Maker User section. The museum also has two shops for unique design-inspired products. Whether you’re visiting briefly or for a more detailed exploration, it’s a must-see destination for design enthusiasts.
Where is the Design Museum?
The Design Museum is conveniently located at 224-238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG, making it easy to find. The museum is open daily from 10.00-18.00, except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. This means you can visit any day throughout the year (except those holidays) and enjoy its rich collection of design exhibits.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the museum’s location in central London is perfect for a quick trip, allowing you to explore the world of design at your own pace during its daily hours.
See a 3D printer in action…
At the Design Museum, you can witness a 3D printer in action and see how modern design is evolving. The free exhibition gives visitors a chance to explore innovative design processes. You’ll get to see how designers, makers, and users all contribute to creating groundbreaking products.
The DESIGNER MAKER USER display features 1000 items from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, showcasing the impact of architecture, engineering, and the digital world. It’s fascinating to observe how design disciplines like fashion, graphics, and more are represented through technology.
While you’re there, you’ll be able to explore a broad range of design items and discover how design shapes the world we live in. The interactive elements, including a crowdsourced wall, allow you to see how people influence design over time. Whether you’re into fashion, graphics, or engineering, this display offers a fresh perspective on how design impacts everyone, from the manufacturer to the user.
Find the 10 most important architectural features of this historic building…
- The former Commonwealth Institute
- Creating the displays
- An architectural landmark
- Entering the grounds
- Representing diversity
- Mapping the Commonwealth
- A place for art
- Entering the galleries
- Sourcing the materials
- Designing the roof
The Design Museum is located in a building that was once the Commonwealth Institute, established in 1887. It features an innovative roof designed by Felix Candela, supported by just two internal columns and only 75mm deep at its thinnest point. Inside, the dynamic layout includes suspended staircases and galleries accessed via a central platform.
The building’s stained glass windows, created by Keith New, showcase photographic transparencies of Commonwealth people, symbolising diversity and unity. Outside, the grounds, designed by Maurice Lee and Sylvia Crowe, feature lime trees, a lawn, and a triangular pool, providing a space for public events. This hidden gem is a part of Non-Touristy London, offering an authentic experience away from the typical tourist crowds.
Design a car in Design Maker User.
The Design Maker User exhibition at the Design Museum lets you explore the evolution of everyday objects, including car design. It showcases the journey from a designer’s initial sketch to manufacturing and user interaction, demonstrating the collaborative roles of designers, makers, and users.
The collection includes items from the 20th and 21st centuries, like the London tube train and the British road signage system, highlighting how design has transformed over time. The exhibition also covers diverse design fields, from architecture to engineering, and features modern innovations like 3D printing.
Visitors can engage with the displays through family-friendly activities, including 3D printing demonstrations and the “Tips from Kids” audio feature. The museum offers free entry with no pre-booking required, making it accessible to all.
With free access and no need for pre-booking, you can visit during the museum’s opening hours, which run from 10:00 to 17:00 on weekdays and 10:00 to 18:00 on weekends. Whether you’re a school, college, or university student, or simply a curious visitor, you can easily explore the exhibition, spending as much time as you want learning about the evolving nature of design and its impact on the user.
Pick up a free Family Explorer Trail.
At the Design Museum, you can pick up a free Family Explorer Trail, which is perfect for families wanting to discover the museum in a fun and engaging way. The trail is designed for children and young people, making it a great way to explore the activities and exhibits.
Whether you’re visiting during the half-term or any other time, the trail offers a creative and interactive way for children aged 8-11 and young people aged 11-14 to learn about design while enjoying their visit.
As part of the Family Events and Activities, the trail will guide you through different exhibitions and help you engage with the displays in a new way. Plus, if you sign up for the newsletter, you’ll be the first to know about future learning activities and events like Design Camps.
If you’re a member, you also get extra perks, including free entry to all exhibitions for the whole year, discounts in the shops and cafes, and access to private members’ views.
Enjoy a cake and coffee.
After exploring the exhibits at the Design Museum, take a moment to relax and enjoy a delicious cake and a hot cup of coffee in the cosy café. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and reflect on all the modern design and interactive displays you’ve discovered.
Whether you’re grabbing a coffee-on-the-go or sitting down for a longer break, it’s an ideal way to wrap up your museum experience while enjoying some tasty refreshments in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Visit one of the temporary exhibitions.
At the Design Museum, you can delve into the broad and evolving world of design through its programme of temporary exhibitions. These exhibitions provide opportunities to explore the present and future of design, allowing you to discover new topics and disciplines.
Each exhibition offers a fresh perspective on how design is constantly changing, giving visitors a chance to experience something new each time they visit.
Enjoy a free display.
At the Design Museum, you can enjoy a free display at the Balcony Gallery on Level 1. This programme of temporary displays explores how design influences the world and our daily lives, with a special focus on subjects like graphic design and architecture.
It’s a great opportunity to discover the impact of design on everything around us, all while enjoying the museum’s inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re a design enthusiast or a first-time visitor, this is a must-see part of the museum.
Take some design home!
At the Design Museum in London, you can take home a piece of design by visiting the two shops located inside the museum. The High Street Shop, found at 224–238 Kensington High Street, offers a curated selection of design classics and contemporary products.
It’s open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with extended hours until 21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Here, you can browse a range of items like the National Rail Double Arrow collection, exhibition catalogues, and other design-inspired accessories.
In addition, the Atrium Shop, located inside the museum building, offers more design goodies, including prints, objects, and books for all design enthusiasts.
These shops provide great opportunities to explore and purchase iconic designs and new products, all while supporting the museum’s mission to promote contemporary design. Whether you’re looking for something unique or a souvenir, these shops offer a chance to take home something truly special.
FAQ
What to see at the Design Museum London?
At the Design Museum, there are 10 great things to see, including watching a 3D printer in action. You can also explore the architectural features of the historic building and try your hand at designing a car in the Design Maker User section.
Don’t miss the chance to take a selfie in front of the huge revolving billboard. For families, picking up a free Family Explorer Trail is a great way to engage with the museum. Afterwards r,, relax and enjoy a delicious cake and coffee to wrap up your visit.
Is the Design Museum worth going to?
The Design Museum is definitely worth a visit! The exhibits are interesting and varied, offering something for everyone. The building itself is light and airy, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring. After enjoying the exhibits, you can stop by the shop or grab a bite at the restaurant.
The museum is easily served by several buses along Kensington High St, or you can simply walk from the nearby underground station. If you have time, take a relaxing stroll in Holland Park, as there is an entrance close by for a peaceful end to your visit.
How long do you need at the Design Museum in London?
How long you spend at the Design Museum varies depending on your interests. On average, most visitors spend about one hour in the biggest exhibition space, Gallery 1, and slightly less in the smaller space, Gallery 2. Once you’ve entered, you can enjoy the exhibition content for as long as you’d like, within the opening hours. Whether you prefer a quick visit or a more detailed exploration, there’s flexibility to match your pace.
Which museums are ama must-seen London?
In London, don’t miss the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in South Kensington, the world’s leading museum for art, design, and performance. The Natural History Museum and Science Museum are perfect for science buffs, while the Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace offers a royal experience.
For art, check out the Serpentine Gallery, Tate Britain, and the National Gallery, and if you’re interested in transport history, visit the London Transport Museum.
