Design Museum

This museum sits inside a listed building on Kensington High Street and spreads across three floors with displays on product, industrial, and architectural work. The galleries hold rotating shows alongside permanent installations.

Sir Terence Conran founded the institution in 1989 at Shad Thames and moved it to the former Commonwealth Institute in 2016 following major renovation work. The relocation created more room for growing collections and larger visitor numbers.

The name reflects the focus on shaping everyday objects, from furniture to electronics to transportation. Visitors see how form and function come together and how designers respond to society's needs.

The building opens Monday to Thursday from 10 to 5 and Friday to Sunday from 10 to 6, with Saturday hours extending to 8:45 p.m. from September through December. The main gallery on the ground floor is accessible without steps, while upper floors are reached by lift.

The reference library on the first floor holds a large collection of materials on shaping and building, open to researchers, students, and professionals. Many visitors overlook this area, even though it contains rare catalogues and specialist publications.

Location: Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Inception: 1989

Architects: Terence Conran

Official opening: 1989

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Fee: No

Address: 224 - 238 Kensington, High Street, London W8 6AG

Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:00-17:00; Friday-Sunday 10:00-18:00; September 16-December 31 Saturday 10:00-20:45; December 24-27 off

Phone: +442038625900

Website: https://designmuseum.org

GPS coordinates: 51.49990,-0.20024

Latest update: December 17, 2025 08:07