Design Museum

The Design Museum was founded in 1989 by the designer and entrepreneur Sir Terence Conran, originally located in a repurposed banana warehouse at Shad Thames on the south bank of the River Thames. It was the first museum in the world to be exclusively dedicated to contemporary design across all forms, including architecture, fashion, graphics, and product design. For over 25 years, it served as a vital platform for showcasing the impact of design on the modern world and nurturing emerging talent. In 2016, the museum underwent a massive transformation by relocating to the former Commonwealth Institute building in Kensington. This Grade II* listed modernist landmark, which had been vacant for over a decade, was meticulously restored and remodeled by architect John Pawson. The move tripled the museum's exhibition space and allowed for a much larger permanent collection display, moving the institution into the heart of London's cultural district. Today, the Design Museum stands as a global authority on the subject, hosting world-class temporary exhibitions and the prestigious Beazley Designs of the Year awards. Its permanent exhibition, 'Designer Maker User', explores the complex relationship between the creators and consumers of design. The building itself is a masterpiece of mid-century engineering, featuring a breathtaking hyperbolic paraboloid roof that remains one of the most distinctive architectural features in London.