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The Design Museum in its striking hyperbolic paraboloid building in Kensington

Design Museum

ArchitectureDesignOpens 10amFreeHigh Street Kensington

The Design Museum moved to its current home — the former Commonwealth Institute — in 2016, and the John Pawson-redesigned interior is itself a design statement. The permanent collection, Designer Maker User, is free and traces how design shapes everyday life. The temporary exhibitions are consistently excellent, covering everything from sneaker culture to artificial intelligence. The rooftop is a hidden gem.

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The Stone Demonstrator, a three-storey pre-tensioned stone construction prototype at Earls Court

Future Observatory: The Stone Demonstrator

A free off-site installation from the Design Museum's Future Observatory programme: a 1:1 scale, three-storey prototype testing pre-tensioned stone construction, which cuts carbon emissions roughly 70% versus reinforced concrete.

Now showingFrom 1 Dec 2025· Free
Simone Brewster with her 'Negrita' bench, PLATFORM display at the Design Museum

PLATFORM: Simone Brewster

Free annual display of London designer Simone Brewster's multidisciplinary work, from sculptural jewellery to her new 'Negrita' bench. On view until January 2027.

Now showingFrom 13 Feb· Free
Dwellings, Rehomed installation in the Design Museum Garden

Dwellings, Rehomed

Free installation in the Design Museum Garden exploring how homes and dwellings can be reused and rehomed. On view until June 2027.

Now showingOngoing· Free
Fables for our Time triptych display at the Design Museum

Fables for our Time

A free triptych display on Level 2 featuring 176 rotating prisms with custom-designed emoji, depicting ecosystems of bees, coral and mushrooms — and the human forces that threaten them.

Now showingOngoing· Free
Kinetic stage sculpture by Es Devlin

Es Devlin

The first UK retrospective of artist-designer Es Devlin's 30-year practice in sculpture, performance, language and light, with maquettes and new commissions.

Now showing2 Oct – 4 Apr 2027

LAIKA presents Wildwood: The Exhibition

Behind the scenes of LAIKA's stop-motion film Wildwood, with original props, sketches, puppets and miniature sets, in the Helene and Johannes Huth Gallery.

Now showing15 Oct – 10 Jan 2027· £15.29
The Nue Black Aesthetic exhibition at the Design Museum

The Nue Black Aesthetic

Major exhibition celebrating contemporary Black designers reshaping British design across furniture, architecture, fashion and installation.

Upcoming6 Nov – 8 Aug 2027

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

224–238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG

Nearest station: High Street Kensington

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Hours

Mon10:00–17:00
Tue10:00–17:00
Wed10:00–17:00
Thu10:00–17:00
Fri10:00–18:00
SatToday10:00–18:00
Sun10:00–18:00

Admission

Free

Free permanent collection. Temporary exhibitions require paid tickets.

Accessibility

Step-free access throughout. Lifts to all floors. Wheelchairs available free of charge.

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Visitor Information

Is Design Museum free to visit?
Yes, general admission to Design Museum is free. Free permanent collection. Temporary exhibitions require paid tickets.. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.
What are the opening hours of Design Museum?
Design Museum is open Mon–Thu 10:00–17:00, Fri–Sun 10:00–18:00. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is Design Museum?
Design Museum is located at 224–238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG, in the Kensington area of London. The nearest station is High Street Kensington.
What can I see at Design Museum?
Contemporary design from furniture to fashion to architecture, in a striking Kensington building. Current highlights include Dwellings, Rehomed, Future Observatory: The Stone Demonstrator and LAIKA presents Wildwood: The Exhibition.
Do I need to book Design Museum in advance?
Design Museum is free to enter and most days you can walk in. Free permanent collection. Temporary exhibitions require paid tickets.. For special exhibitions, weekends, and school holidays, booking a timed slot can help you skip queues. Check the museum's website for current requirements.
When is the best time to visit Design Museum?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.
Is Design Museum accessible?
Step-free access throughout. Lifts to all floors. Wheelchairs available free of charge.

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