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Design Museum

Name: Design Museum
Address: 224-238 Kensington High Street, London, W86AG, GB
Telephone: +44 20 3862 5900
Price range: £
Rating: 4.2

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Design Museum

The world's leading museum devoted to contemporary design in every form. The Design Museum's vision is a world where everyone values design.
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The museum's purpose is to make the impact of the design visible. It aims to achieve this by:

- Building public awareness of design by connecting design with people’s lives and passions
- Reflecting the designer’s role at the forefront of social, technological and environmental change
- Serving the design community. Design is a practice, a diverse discipline, infinitely rich in approaches and cha

racters. It is a young discipline, whose role in the world is evolving. Our unique approach to working with designers is to invite them to ‘think in public’ with us.

10/01/2024

📣 TICKETS NOW ON SALE 📣

Tickets are now on sale for the first ever UK museum exhibition devoted to one of the most significant designers of the 20th century, Enzo Mari.

This major exhibition comes to the UK after debuting at Triennale Milano in 2020. It is co-curated by Mari’s friend and collaborator, and artistic director of Serpentine Galleries, Hans Ulrich Obrist, with Francesca Giacomelli, Mari's studio project assistant, designer, curator and researcher.

The large-scale retrospective will include the full spectrum of Mari’s prolific output, from his work as a designer, but also as an artist, teacher, critic and theorist. In total, more than 300 objects will be on display — most have not been seen in the UK before.

Enzo Mari curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist with Francesca Giacomelli opens at the Design Museum on 29 March 2024 - find out more and book your tickets (members go free!): https://designmuseum.org/exhibitions/enzo-mari

📸 1. Enzo Mari by Ramak Fazel. 2. La mela e la farfalla, printing draft. 1958/1969. Archivio E. Mari, City of Milan, CASVA. Photo Gianluca Di loia - © Triennale Milano. 3. The Nature Series. No. 1: La Mela (the apple) with Elio Mari. Photo Danese Milano.

07/01/2024

Happy shoe year 👠 On this day in 1963 French fashion designer Christian Louboutin was born.

Louboutin is one of the world's most well-known shoe designers. He opened his first shop in Paris in 1992 and his red-soled shoes quickly became synonymous with luxury and celebrity.

Louboutin was also the subject of a 2011 exhibition at the Design Museum, where over 200 of his shoe designs went on display.

📸 Luke Hayes

06/01/2024

Join us on Saturday 20 January for a screening of SKATE DREAMS 🛹

This will be a special matinee screening of Jessica Edward’s documentary, followed by a conversation with Skate GB’s star Lilly Strachan and 1970s skate legend Thea Cutts.

Book now: https://bit.ly/3tGiD3Z

06/01/2024

Check out Frank Gehry’s curvaceous Wiggle Side Chair 〰️

In the 1970s, the Canadian-American architect and designer created a furniture series called Easy Edges where he experimented with the corrugated cardboard which was originally used to make models of his buildings.

In doing this, he created sculptural forms from the everyday material which were both strong and comfortable.

Come and see this design IRL in our permanent collection display, Designer Maker User. Tap the link to plan your visit - https://bit.ly/3oQX3ax

📸 modernegallery on Instagram

05/01/2024

The colourful Bioscleave House in New York was designed to slow down the effects of ageing and death 🌈

Designed by artists and architects Arakawa and Gins, the unique residence was completed in 2008. A maze of vibrant colours, undulating floors and uneven surfaces, the house was intentionally designed to challenge the inhabitants' perceptions and force them to constantly adjust and reorient themselves. The idea was that this constant engagement with the environment would stimulate the body and mind, potentially extending life.

While the house has garnered attention for its unconventional design and philosophical underpinnings, it has also sparked debates about the practicality and liveability of such a space.

📸 raquelcayre on Instagram

04/01/2024

Join us on Saturday 27 January for a Sublimation Textile Printing Workshop ✨

Create your own sparkling accessories using up-cycled fabrics with NEWGEN designer Sadie Williams.

Book now: https://bit.ly/46eI622

04/01/2024

Just over seventy years ago London was home to the Skylon - a futuristic 'floating' marvel 🤩

This 300-foot-tall structure was designed by architects Powell and Moya in 1951 for the Festival of Britain. The aim of this festival was to showcase achievements in the arts, science, technology and design in the aftermath of World War II.

Made from steel and aluminium, the Skylon was one of the key sights of this festival. It was intended as a symbol of progress and innovation, and it was suspended by cables, giving the structure the appearance of floating in the air.

Due to financial constraints and debates about its long-term existence, Skylon was dismantled in 1952. Despite its brief existence, it remains a notable representation of mid-20th-century design and innovation.

02/01/2024

Renowned designer and architect Charles Eames understood that toys, often seen as simple playthings, are instrumental in shaping a person's mind.

This quote can be perfectly applied to the skateboard, which started out as a rudimentary toy in the 1950s and has since developed into a technically sophisticated product and recognised tool to unlock freedom and empowerment.

Our SKATEBOARD exhibition, curated by industrial designer Jonathan Olivares, explores the skateboard's technical developments alongside evolving social acceptance.

Catch it at the Design Museum until June 2024 - tickets and more info: https://bit.ly/3DqERrU

01/01/2024

⭐ HAPPY NEW YEAR ⭐

We’re looking forward to 2024 and all of the exciting things coming up at the museum...

🍐 A career-spanning retrospective of Italian designer Enzo Mari, curated by
Hans Ulrich Obrist with Francesca Giacomelli
💖A new exhibition exploring the design evolution of one of the world’s most famous dolls, Barbie
🎥 A major exhibition inviting visitors into the world of legendary filmmaker Tim Burton - Official Page
✨ The Ralph Saltzman Prize 2024
🎒 Our annual Design Ventura display
☀️ Design Researchers in Residence: Solar display

Find out more: https://bit.ly/3RNwY83

30/12/2023

Join us on 7 February for a special evening to celebrate the opening of The Ralph Saltzman Prize 2024.

The 2024 winner (who will be announced in January) will be in-conversation with Chief Curator Johanna Agerman Ross.

Book now: https://bit.ly/47bpsIh

29/12/2023

Orange you glad to see Japan's fruit-shaped bus stops on your feed? 🍊🍎🍓

Originally built in 1990 for the Nagasaki Travel Expo, these unique bus stops showcase local produce and promote tourism along the National Route 207 between Konagai and Isahaya.

These designs are now a permanent fixture, adding a fruity twist to resident’s commutes and creating a joyful and welcoming environment for visitors.

📸 souichirou___ on Instagram

28/12/2023

Join us on 11 February for a film screening of the documentary Paris is Burning ⚡

Join fashion designer Ashish Gupta for a matinee screening of the iconic documentary, marking the end of the exhibition REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion.

Book now: https://bit.ly/4asSwhp

28/12/2023

Closing out the year, our final design of the week of 2023 is the delightful Toucan table lamp 💡

Designed around 1970 by Italian designer Enea Ferrari, this lamp was one of the first lighting products made of plastic with children in mind.

Fast forward to today, and Ferrari's creation has evolved into a timeless treasure, coveted by modern antique enthusiasts.

Image credit: Line Zero

26/12/2023

Snuggle up this Boxing Day morning with a few of our top picks for comfiest looking sofas. Which of these iconic designs would be your ultimate lounging companion? 🛋️

1. Dune Ensemble by Pierre Paulin, 1970
2. Togo Sofa for Ligne Roset by Michael Ducaory, 1973
3. The Soriana sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, 1969
4. 11-piece Missoni ‘Mah Jong’ sofa set for Roche Bobois, by Hans Hopfer

📸 paulinpaulinpaulin, betonbrutlondon, primaried on Instagram

25/12/2023

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at the Design Museum 🎄❤️

Illustration by Sara Taghdimi

24/12/2023

2023 has been a fantastic year at the Design Museum, and we want to say a big thank you to all our visitors and members 💛

We recently asked our members to tell us their favourite thing about the Design Museum - check out a few of their answers above!

What was your favourite thing you saw at the Design Museum this year?

Tap the link to find out more about becoming a Design Museum member in 2024 - https://bit.ly/3RuTwcn

Quote credits - Céline M, Natasha Wright
Image credits - sraeesk, hitomi.tawo on Instagram

23/12/2023

Calling all skateboarders age 16 and under! Get your boards at the ready for our new holiday sessions with Skate Gals & Pals 🛹

Join us inside the SKATEBOARD exhibition from Wednesday 27 December 2023 to Sunday 7 January 2024, where skateboarding lessons will be taking place between 12:00 and 15:00.

These sessions are for skaters under 16 years old and their families - please bring at least one adult with you. Each participant should be able to comfortably skate around and balance on their board. Equipment is available to hire for free.

Don't miss this rare chance to skateboard inside a major museum - tap the link to find out more and book your spot: https://bit.ly/3Tvjyid

22/12/2023

Join us on 20 & 21 January or 20 & 21 April for a tailoring masterclass 🧵

In this two-day course with Tim O’Sullivan, learn how to create a professional paper pattern template for a fully lined tailored jacket.

Book now: https://bit.ly/3MMmjY2

22/12/2023

From the Art Deco streets of Miami, to South Africa's largest pineapple building, this year Architecture Friday has taken us on a trip around the globe. Here are our most loved Architecture Friday posts of 2023.

📸
1. Eastern Columbia Building in Los Angeles by Claud Beelman (elizabethdaniels01)
2. Hoover Building in London by Wallis, Gilbert and Partners, 1933 (okolo_architecture)
3. The Pineapple Building in South Africa, 1990 (cookingandbakingcreations)
4. Fort Worth Water Gardens by Philip Johnson, 1974 (Gordon Gahan)
5. Art Deco buildings in Miami ()

Which is your favourite and why? ✈️

21/12/2023

A few of our favourite red and green designs from the collection to get you into the festive spirit 😍

Which is your favourite design and why?

1. Ultra Power Stand Mixer, Egmont C. Arens, 1937
2. Bendable fork and spoon, Saito Kogyo Co., 2003
3. Facett chair, Ronan Bouroullec, 2005
4. Long reach watering can, Plysu Plc, 1991
5. London Bus Stop Sign, Fitch Design, 1998
6. Tip Ton chair, Barber Osgerby, 2011

20/12/2023

Ethiopian designer Feben on the hope that her creations will provoke an emotional response.

One of Feben's amazing designs is on display in REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion - an incredible red shirred number developed during her studies at Central Saint Martins.

She created this piece with the intention that the wearer should feel like they are dressed in a work of art.

Come and see this look IRL as part of REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion, on at the Design Museum until 11 February 2024. Tap the link to book your tickets - https://bit.ly/3PkxlWB

19/12/2023

Best of Design Of The Week 2023 | From Apple’s classic iPod to Phillippe Starck’s UFO-like Juicy Salif, here’s a round-up of our most popular Designs of the Week from 2023...

The Apple iPod 🎵
Phillippe Starck’s Juicy Salif for Alessi 🛸
Orange Fiskars Scissors by Olof Bäckström 🧡
A McDonald's McFlurry container from 1986 🍦
Jif Lemon Juice packaging 🍋

Which design do you think deserves the top spot?

17/12/2023

Down by the seaside in Brighton, East Sussex, you’ll find Wells Coates modernist gem Embassy Court ⛱️

The architect and designer was born on this day in 1901. He didn’t originally train in the profession, however over time became an influential figure in the Modernist architecture movement.

Completed in 1935, Embassy Court was famous at the time for having England’s first penthouse suites, as well as a restaurant, a rooftop sun terrace and a garage for residents' cars.

Coates followed Le Corbusier’s theory that houses should be 'machines for living in' and he achieved this philosophy through offering tenants radical new furniture and kitchen designs. The sleek lines and dramatic exterior of Embassy Court has made this building an iconic part of Brighton's architectural heritage.

16/12/2023

Join us on Saturday 27 January for a sublimation textile printing workshop ⚡

Join NEWGEN designer Sadie Williams and experiment with printing techniques to create your own sparkling accessories.

Book now: https://bit.ly/46eI622

16/12/2023

Designer Roksanda Ilinčić on why she chose London as the place to set up her eponymous brand Roksanda.

The Serbian-born designer was part of the British Fashion Council's NEWGEN scheme in 2005 and she designed this beautiful cloud-like dress for her Spring/Summer show in 2007 ☁️

The voluminous dress was inspired by ‘the beauty of being a woman’. The look is topped off with a giant bow in the same material created by her friend Noel Stewart.

Come and see this look IRL in our REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion exhibition, open until February 2024. Tickets via the link (members go free!) - https://designmuseum.org/exhibitions/rebel-30-years-of-london-fashion

Image 1 credit - Lowri Cooper

15/12/2023

A look at Oscar Niemeyer’s futuristic Niterói Contemporary Art Museum, located in Brazil 🛸

Located on a hill in Rio de Janeiro, the museum towers over the sea below. Originally built in 1996 by Niemeyer with help from structural engineer Bruno Contarini, today it is a staple of modern architecture. Depending on the onlooker, it can resemble a floating rock, flower or spaceship.

Niemeyer is one of Brazil's greatest architects and he was born on this day in 1907. He graduated from the National School of Fine Arts in Rio de Janeiro in 1934 and went on to work with influential architect Lúcio Costa.

He had a simple goal to ‘give beauty to the world’ and his legacy extends far beyond the hills of Rio de Janeiro, leaving an enduring legacy in global architecture.

15/12/2023

Remembering American designer Ray Eames, who was born on this day in 1912 🎈

Ray graduated from the Bennett School for Girls in 1933 and then moved to New York City where she studied under artist Hans Hofmann. After this she became a founding member of the American Abstract Artists group.

Ray eventually became a household name in the world of furniture, architecture and graphic design alongside her husband Charles Eames, who once said ‘anything I can do, Ray can do better.’

Together they became responsible for changing the idea of what furniture could be.

📸 Eames Office

14/12/2023

Looking for experience Christmas gifts? Or just want to plan something fun to do in the new year? Check out some of our upcoming 2024 events 👀

🛹 A screening of the documentary SKATE DREAMS
📖 A launch for new book Systems Ultra with author
🎨 A Design and Screen Print your own Brand workshop
✨ An in-conversation with the 2024 Ralph Saltzman Prize winner
✏️ A Fashion Life Drawing workshop
💙 A Natural Indigo Dyes workshop

Tap the link to find out more and book - https://bit.ly/3J7mYlb

📸 Gareth Gardner

14/12/2023

A look at Highpoint I and Highpoint II - two excellent examples of modernist architecture in London 🤍

Designed by architect Berthold Lubetkin who was born on this day in 1901, these iconic residential buildings show Lubetkin's commitment to the ideals of modernism and the belief that architecture should improve people's lives.

Highpoint I, completed in 1935, was one of the UK's first modernist residential buildings, known for its curved balconies, large windows and innovative use of concrete. Highpoint II, completed in 1938, expanded upon the design of the first building. Both buildings were revolutionary in their time and played a significant role in the development of modernist architecture in Britain.

Images 1, 2, 5 are Highpoint I
Images 3, 4 are Highpoint II

📸
Images 3 + 5 by modarchitecture on IG
Image 4 by kussmark on IG

Address

224-238 Kensington High Street
London
W86AG

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 9pm
Tuesday	10am - 9pm
Wednesday	10am - 9pm
Thursday	10am - 9pm
Friday	10am - 9pm
Saturday	10am - 9pm
Sunday	10am - 9pm

Telephone

+44 20 3862 5900

Website

https://designmuseum.org/

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Videos

⭐ HAPPY NEW YEAR ⭐ We’re looking forward to 2024 and all of the exciting things coming up at the museum... 🍐 A career-spanning retrospective of Italian designer Enzo Mari, curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist with Francesca Giacomelli 💖A new exhibition exploring the design evolution of one of the world’s most famous dolls, Barbie 🎥 A major exhibition inviting visitors into the world of legendary filmmaker Tim Burton - Official Page ✨ The Ralph Saltzman Prize 2024 🎒 Our annual Design Ventura display ☀️ Design Researchers in Residence: Solar display Find out more: https://bit.ly/3RNwY83

This is your reminder to plan your next trip to the Design Museum 👀 There’s plenty to see and do this winter. Head to designmuseum.org.uk for more info and to plan your visit.

REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion Zine

Delve into the exciting world of London fashion with our REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion Zine ⚡ Featuring interviews and unseen photographs, this zine explores the work of the designers who have come through the British Fashion Council’s NEWGEN Scheme as well as London's identity among the fashion capitals of the world. Tap the link to shop - https://bit.ly/49eeFzr

ANTIFURNITURE

Visitors have been enjoying our display ANTIFURNITURE 😍 This playful free display by performance artist Fyodor Pavlov-Andreevich features various wooden sculptures dispersed inside and outside the museum. Visitors are invited to interact with the sculptures, climbing, hiding and temporarily inhabiting them as a way to challenge their understanding of furniture design. Catch the display now until 29 October - more info: https://bit.ly/47kOq9H 📹 _annyclare_ on Instagram

REBEL: Harri on the iconic inflatable design he created for Sam Smith

Imagine being given four days to create a red carpet look for a pop superstar... this was the challenge faced by designer HARRI earlier this year. Now Harri's iconic latex inflatable design worn by Sam Smith to the BRIT Awards is on display as part of the Design Museum's exhibition REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion. Here Harri discusses the challenges of creating this piece, his process of working with latex and what the British Fashion Council's NEWGEN programme has meant to him as a designer. Catch Rebel: 30 Years of London Fashion at the Design Museum until 11 February 2024 - tickets: https://bit.ly/3PkxlWB

A quick look at the secret history of email 📧 Find out more about this fascinating history in our free exhibition Email is Dead, currently on display at the Design Museum in partnership with Intuit Mailchimp. The exhibition explores email from its embryonic beginnings in the 1970s to what the email experience might look like in 2070. Catch it now until 22 October - more info: https://bit.ly/43Wq9Ui

A peek inside our brand-new Design Kitchen, situated on the second floor of the museum with stunning views of Holland Park 💚 Designed recently by Matthew Williamson, this dreamy green space offers a range of breakfast or lunch options, light snacks, and sparkling wine provided by our new Exclusive English Sparkling Wine Partner, Nyetimber Wines. Museum members will enjoy a 10% discount on all food and drink purchases. Come and visit now - more info: https://bit.ly/3EWEpm8

Now open at the Design Museum... ANTIFURNITURE 🪑 This playful free display by performance artist Fyodor Pavlov-Andreevich invites visitors to interact with various wooden sculptures dispersed inside and outside the museum. Climb, hide within, and temporarily inhabit these sculptures to challenge your understanding of furniture design. Catch ANTIFURNITURE now until 29 October - more info: https://bit.ly/47kOq9H

A message about our BSL tours

On International Day of Sign Languages, Design Museum staff member Avni is here with a message about our BSL tours. Avni works in the Learning team and is teaching herself sign languages. Join us for our upcoming BSL tour of REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion on 21 October, open to d/Deaf visitors and their companions who use British Sign Language. Hearing dogs are welcome. Book your place: https://designmuseum.org/whats-on/talks-courses-and-workshops/rebel-bsl-tour

REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion

London fashion is louder than ever 🔥 ⚡ From clubs to cutting room floors to catwalks, London continues to set the creative agenda and rebel against the system. Former NEWGEN recipient Priya Ahluwalia narrates the story of REBEL London and tells us how and why this city continues to produce hundreds of fearless young designers who have transformed the fashion landscape. REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion is a landmark collaboration with the British Fashion Council, sponsored by Alexander McQueen, celebrating the 30th anniversary of BFC's NEWGEN programme, an initiative that supports the best emerging fashion design talent and aims to build global brands of the future. The exhibition offers an unprecedented look at how careers in fashion are forged, and the multitude of opportunities London’s fashion scene offers young creatives. Tickets and more info (members go free): https://bit.ly/3PkxlWB

Design Ventura 2023 has launched!

Calling all young aspiring designers 📢 Our annual Design Ventura competition, supported by Deutsche Bank, challenging students to design a new product for the Design Museum Shop has launched, with this year’s brief setter being Kangan Arora! Open to years 9, 10 and 11, students working in teams are asked to consider the whole process of design, from initial ideas to manufacturing and budgets to marketing and branding. Teachers are offered training and resources to run the project with the support of design and business industry experts. If you haven't already registered your school, sign up here: https://bit.ly/3LaoCDu

Ai Weiwei: Making Sense Trailer

✨ LAST CHANCE TO SEE ✨ Ai Weiwei: Making Sense presents the artist's work as a commentary on design, inviting us into a meditation on value and humanity, art and activism. With closing week fast approaching, don’t miss out on the chance to catch this celebrated exhibition. Tap the link to book your tickets (members go free): https://bit.ly/3Mn9vIy

One month left to catch our Ai Weiwei exhibition 'Making Sense'

One month left to catch our Ai Weiwei exhibition 'Making Sense' Ai Weiwei is one of the most significant and recognised artists working today, and this exhibition invites us into a meditation on value and humanity, art and activism. From everyday objects crafted from precious materials, to ‘fields’ of Lego and prehistoric tools, walk amongst hundreds of thousands of objects exploring past and present material culture. Book your tickets (members go free): https://bit.ly/3Mn9vIy

#MakingSense Catalogue

Featuring interviews, essays, and in-depth analysis of the multi-disciplinary artist and visionary, the exhibition catalogue for Ai Weiwei's Making Sense is the first book to dive exclusively into his approach to design and collecting, shedding light on the value we ascribe to everyday objects. Get your hands on a copy: https://bit.ly/3pdv4Sr

Happy Pride in London ️‍🌈 today we join in celebrating London's LGBT+ communities. To mark the occasion, here is a very quick look at the secret history of the Pride flag design. When was this flag first created and how has it since evolved?

The Secret History of the Design Museum roof

Do you know about the Design Museum’s Grade II* listed roof? Today we’re uncovering a secret story, involving a food favourite – Pringles.

The Offbeat Sari Catalogue

From subcultural and high fashion trends, to innovative and experimental designs, discover the interconnection between contemporary design and the evolving definitions of the Indian sari in #TheOffbeatSari exhibition catalogue ✨ Shop now: bit.ly/45Fz3rF

Got to Keep On - The Chemical Brothers

Getting into the #Eurovision mood we’re looking back at our #Electronic exhibition with the costumes worn by the dancing silhouettes in the music video for the @chembros ‘Got to Keep On’ track 🕺 What outfit will you be wearing to dance in this weekend? Show designers: Smith & Lyall Costume design: Kate Tabor studio

6 iconic designs from our collection

In celebration of #WorldDesignDay we’re getting nostalgic with 6 iconic designs from our collection… See many of these designs IRL in #DesignerMakerUser - our free display featuring almost 1000 items of 20th and 21st century design💛

'Middle Finger in Red.'

🕚 24 HOURS TO GO 🕚 Set your alarms for the release of our limited-edition print ‘Middle Finger in Red.’ A collaboration between Avant Arte and Ai Weiwei to accompany our upcoming exhibition 'Ai Weiwei: Making Sense', the print references Weiwei's middle finger.🖕 Find out more: avantarte.co/3Fmf4T2