Design Museum
- Architecture and design enthusiasts
- Fashion enthusiasts
- Families with children
What Visitors Say
Unexpectedly, it was so much fun. We visited for the Wes Anderson exhibition, but the other exhibitions were also thoughtfully curated, and the museum itself is beautifully designed. Even the free permanent collection is inspiring, showcasing how great design shapes everyday life. Don’t miss the gift shop if you love unique design products.
This offers a fascinating journey through the history and evolution of design. Its exhibits showcase how design has shaped everyday life over the decades, from iconic products and furniture to advances in technology, fashion, and architecture. The museum does an excellent job of connecting historical innovations with modern design trends, making the experience both educational and inspiring. The building itself is impressive, and the thoughtfully curated displays make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and creativity.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The London Design Museum is nothing short of a cultural jewel — a space where creativity, innovation, and storytelling collide in the most inspiring way. My recent visit was elevated by the extraordinary exhibitions currently on display: Nigo’s Japan and the whimsical world of Wes Anderson. Walking through the Nigo exhibition felt like stepping into the heartbeat of Japanese streetwear and design culture. The curation is impeccable, showcasing his journey from A Bathing Ape to his collaborations with global icons. It’s not just fashion; it’s a narrative of identity, influence, and artistry that resonates far beyond clothing. Then, the Wes Anderson exhibition is pure magic. Every corner is drenched in his signature symmetry, pastel palettes, and cinematic charm. It’s like being transported into one of his films — quirky, nostalgic, and meticulously detailed. The museum has captured his universe so well that you almost expect characters to walk out of the frames. The museum itself is a masterpiece: spacious, modern, and designed to let each exhibition breathe while still feeling intimate. The staff are welcoming, the atmosphere is vibrant, and the overall experience is unforgettable. If you’re in London, this is an absolute must-visit. Whether you’re a design enthusiast, a fashion lover, or simply someone who enjoys being inspired, the Design Museum delivers an experience that lingers long after you leave.
This was our first time to the Design Museum and what a beautifully designed building and calm environment it was. We went on a Friday morning in April to see the Wes Anderson archives exhibition which was beautifully curated and presented and had an aesthetic fitting of such a unique film maker, screenwriter and producer. Every turn of the exhibition was filled with information, behind the scenes and props from so many of his works, it was a truly fascinating insight into his movies. We loved every minute of it and were like kids in a sweet shop. The rest of the museum was filled with what was for us nostalgic design where function, ergonomics and art collide. This is an incredible space and we can’t wait to see the next couple of exhibitions from NIGO From Japan with Love and Es Devlin.
This was my first visit to the Design Museum, and it won’t be my last. The building itself is super impressive and visually stunning. Inside, the museum is spacious and easy to navigate. I visited specifically for the Wes Anderson: The Archives exhibition, which was exquisite. The exhibition was well curated - and being Wes Anderson, visually appealing. I spent around 2hrs there, as there is so much to see. I would definitely recommend booking tickets in advance. If visiting during a weekday go super early or later in the day, as when I was leaving around 12pm there were a lot of students entering. At 10am it wasn’t too busy and I was able to really enjoy the exhibition. There are toilets and lockers (for £1) available downstairs. There is also a tiny cafe on the ground floor, which was packed, so I didn’t stop as I wanted to sit down. The gift shops were great, with lots of items to relating to Wes Anderson and other exhibits. The museum is just a ten minute walk from High Street Kensington Station, and backs on to Holland Park - which is gorgeous and also worth visiting.
Highlights
Designer Maker User
How design shapes daily lifeFrom the London road signage system to classic consumer tech, this free gallery shows design’s hidden decisions.
Permanent display, upper levels
The Roof & Atrium
Iconic hyperbolic paraboloid roof (1962)The Grade II* listed former Commonwealth Institute was reborn here in 2016 - the roof floats like origami above the atrium.
Central hall under the sweeping roof
Material & Process
What things are made ofExplore how plastics, metals, fabrics and composites changed what designers could imagine.
Core collection cases
Graphics & Type
Visual language of citiesWayfinding systems, posters and packaging reveal how typefaces steer us without our noticing.
Graphic design section
Spotlight Exhibition
Rotating headline showsBlockbusters on fashion, film and tech design bring recent icons and behind-the-scenes drawings to the fore.
Temporary gallery
Opening Hours
Fun Facts
Founded in 1989 by Sir Terence Conran; relocated to Kensington in 2016.
The building’s dramatic copper-clad, hyperbolic paraboloid roof dates from 1962 and is Grade II* listed.
The free ‘Designer Maker User’ display introduces hundreds of everyday objects through the stories of their creators and users.
Annual programmes include awards that spotlight innovative product, graphic and digital design from around the world.
The museum’s reinvention retained the historic shell while John Pawson led the interior redesign for the 2016 opening.
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