Design Museum

The Design Museum is a museum of product, industrial, graphic, fashion and architectural design. In 2016, the Museum moved to the former Commonwealth Institute building in west London, a landmark 1960s building that was redeveloped by a design team led by John Pawson. The new site features the Swarovski Foundation Centre for Learning, the 202-seat Bakala Auditorium, and dedicated gallery to display its permanent collection.

The top-floor space under the spectacular museum roof houses a permanent display, Designer Maker User, with key objects from the museum’s collection. It is the only one in the UK devoted exclusively to contemporary design and architecture. A restaurant, members’ lounge, residency studio and an events and gallery space are also located on the top floor.

On the first floor, a design and architecture reference library is a resource for students, educators, researchers and designers. It also includes archive material relating to the history of the museum. The Swarovski Foundation Centre for Learning is a suite of learning facilities including a Design Studio, Creative Workshop, two seminar rooms and a Common Room. The Design Museum offices and main reception, a meeting room and a film studio are also located on the first floor.

On the ground floor, the largest gallery showcases a programme of temporary exhibitions. The ground floor atrium welcomes visitors and acts as an events space. A main staircase from the atrium gives access to all floors and offers views to the first and second floors.