Design Museum

Overview

The Design Museum is the world’s leading museum devoted to contemporary design in every form, from architecture and fashion to graphics, product, and industrial design. It sits elegantly on High Street Kensington in a spectacular 1960s modernist building.

Highlights

• Designer Maker User: The brilliant, free permanent exhibition explores the development of modern design through these three interconnected roles, featuring iconic items like the original Vespa and Apple computers.
• The Architecture: The stunning, hyperbolic paraboloid copper roof of the original 1960s Commonwealth Institute, preserved and repurposed by architect John Pawson.
• Temporary Exhibitions: Highly acclaimed, immersive temporary shows that explore specific iconic designers, brands, or major cultural movements.

History

Founded in 1989 by Sir Terence Conran, it originally sat in a former banana warehouse at Shad Thames. In 2016, it underwent a £83 million relocation to its current, vastly larger home in Kensington, becoming a massive cultural landmark.

Visitor Tips

• The Shop: The museum shop is arguably one of the best carefully curated design stores in London, perfect for unique, well-engineered gifts.
• The Café: Grab an excellent coffee at the sleek, minimalist café overlooking the stunning central atrium.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.