The Design Museum is a museum devoted to contemporary design in every form, at 224–238 Kensington High Street in London. Its free permanent collection and paid exhibitions make it a straightforward Kensington outing, with useful transport links near the museum.
- Location: Kensington High Street, at the entrance to Holland Park
- Free collection: Designer Maker User
- Opening pattern: Open daily
For more local context, read this guide to High Street Kensington.
How do you get to the Design Museum?
The Design Museum sits on the corner of Earl’s Court Road and Kensington High Street, at the entrance to Holland Park. High Street Kensington is the nearest Underground station, about a 10-minute walk away.
District and Circle line trains serve High Street Kensington. Holland Park, on the Central line, and Earl’s Court, on the District and Piccadilly lines, are each about a 15-minute walk from the museum. Bus routes 9, 10, 27, 28, 49 and C1 stop near the museum.
There is no museum car park. If you cycle, parking is available in front of the museum and along Kensington High Street. You can fit the visit into a broader local day using this walkable Kensington itinerary.
What does the Design Museum present?
The museum focuses on contemporary design across different forms. Its free permanent collection, Designer Maker User, explores modern design through the perspectives of the designer, maker and user.
Temporary exhibitions and events provide additional reasons to check what is on when planning your visit. The free displays do not require a ticket, but self-guided learning groups must book in advance.
What are the tickets and opening times?
It also opens on bank holidays. Final entry to exhibition spaces is one hour before the galleries close.
Opening hours
- Monday to Thursday: 10:00–17:00
- Friday to Sunday: 10:00–18:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Pre-booking is recommended for paid exhibitions. Members can enter exhibitions without booking ahead, including when tickets are sold out. Exhibition and event tickets are non-refundable, and changes to the booked date or time are not accommodated.
Hours and booking arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.
What facilities and access details should you know?
Lockers are on Level -1, subject to availability, and require a non-refundable £1 coin. You can buy £1 tokens at the museum shop by card. Debit and credit cards and mobile payments are accepted at the museum’s facilities, including the shop, Design Cafe and Design Kitchen.
The Design Museum Cafe is on the Ground floor, while the Design Kitchen is on Level 2. Free Wi-Fi is available; you’ll need an email address to sign up onsite.
The museum opens at 10:00, so check Kensington House Hotel’s rooms when planning an early visit.
FAQs
Where is the Design Museum?
It is at 224–238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG, on the corner of Earl’s Court Road and Kensington High Street.
Is the Design Museum’s permanent collection free?
Yes. The Designer Maker User permanent collection is free, and the museum’s free displays do not require a ticket.
How late can you enter the exhibition galleries?
Final entry into exhibition spaces is one hour before the galleries close.
Can you park at the Design Museum?
The museum has no car park. Cycle parking is available outside and along Kensington High Street.