The Design Museum

Chart the evolution of modern design at the Design Museum in Kensington. Read More

About

Discover the designs that have helped shape our cultural landscape at the Design Museum in Kensington.

What is there to see at the Design Museum?

Designer Maker User is the museum’s permanent collection featuring items from areas such as fashion, architecture, engineering and the digital world. There are almost 1,000 items revealing the history of modern design through the perspectives of designer, maker and user.

Take a fresh look at familiar objects such as the London 2012 Olympic Torch, Sony Walkman, Apple iPhone and even the British road signage system.

Just some of the past exhibitions have included a look at trainers as a cultural symbol, the electronic music landscape and a humanoid robot.

Is the Design Museum free to visit?

The Design Museum is free to visit. Some temporary exhibitions may require a fee and a pre-booked ticket.

Where is the Design Museum?

The Design Museum is situated on Kensington High Street in Kensington.

How do I get to the Design Museum?

The closest Tube station to the Design Museum is High Street Kensington (Circle and District lines) which is a seven-minute walk away. Holland Park (Central line) and Earl’s Court (District and Piccadilly) are both 15 minutes away. Kensington Olympia is the closest railway station.

Various bus routes stop close to the Design Museum.

There is cycle parking in front of the museum, as well as Santander docking stations in Phllimore Gardens and Ilchester Place.

What are the Design Museum’s opening times?

The Design Museum is open from 10am to 6pm from Sunday to Thursday, and from 10am to 9pm on Friday and Saturday.

Facilities & Accessibility

Access Inside Building Facilities: Accessible lift
All routes suitable for pushchairs or prams
All routes suitable for limited mobility users
Effective lighting throughout for visually impaired users
Lift buttons with raised numbers or letters
Seating for limited mobility users along routes
Steps with handrail within building
Wheelchair spaces available in auditorium
Access into the Building: Automatic doors
Flat routes from parking area to entrance
Full, non-assisted wheelchair access
Ramps from parking area to entrance
Steps from parking area to entrance
Accessible Bathroom Facilities: Some toilets with handrails
Designated wheelchair accessible public toilet
Accessible Communication Facilities: Audible alarm system
Clear signage (colour contrast, large letters or pictograms)
Hearing loop system
Accessible Venue Facilities: Assistance dogs welcome
Special dietary requirements catered for
Level access, ramp or lift to the bar
Level access, ramp or lift to dining area
Level access, ramp or lift to the lounge
Level access, ramp or lift to restaurant or cafe
Level access, ramp or lift to the shop
Additional Accessible Facilities: Accessible baby changing rooms
Level access, ramp or lift to information point
Level access, ramp or lift to ticket issuing point
Level access, ramp or lift from entrance to reception
Touch Tours available
Attraction Facilities: Gift shop
Patron toilets
Public toilets
Booking Facilities: Group bookings accepted
Catering Facilities: Bar
Cafe
Event catering
Restaurant
Vegetarian options on menu
Event Facilities: Available for wedding receptions
In house AV available
Raked or tiered seating offered
Trade vehicle access
General Facilities: Free WiFi
Lifts
Lockers

Venue details and map