the Design Museum
ENTRY
Free
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
London
What it’s like
Free permanent collection on Level 2 covering how everyday objects get designed and made, plus school-holiday design camps for the older kids.
The permanent display, Designer Maker User, is free and sits on Level 2, walking through how everyday objects go from idea to production. It's not hands-on in the way a science museum is, so it suits a child who'll actually read labels and ask questions rather than one who needs buttons to press. For that age group, the Design Camps aimed at 7 to 14 year olds are the better bet, with proper workshops where they get to experiment and make things rather than just look.
A visit runs to a few hours if you take your time, which feels about right before anyone starts flagging. Entry to the main collection costs nothing, though some exhibitions are ticketed and the museum recommends booking those ahead rather than chancing it on the day. There's no general booking needed just to walk in and see the free stuff.
Food is the Design Kitchen on Level 2, doing sandwiches and light bites, though they mention some cafe facilities are running reduced during refurbishment so don't bank on the full spread. There are lockers on Level -1 if you want to dump bags and coats, but they want a £1 coin and it's not refundable if the locker doesn't take, so grab a token from the shop if you're coming without change.
It's open on bank holidays, which is handy for filling a slot when everywhere else feels like a scrum, and only shuts for the three days over Christmas.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- School-age kids who'll read labels, with camps aimed at 7 to 14
- How long to allow
- A few hours typical museum visit
- Food
- Design Kitchen on Level 2 open daily with light bites, salads, sandwiches, hot and cold drinks, wines and beers
- Worth knowing
- Members enjoy unlimited entry to all exhibitions for a whole year plus discounts in Design Museum Shop, Design Cafe and Design Kitchen
- The free collection display is on Level 2, called Designer Maker User
- Lockers need a £1 coin, non-refundable, or a token bought at the shop
- Some cafe facilities are reduced during refurbishment work
- Closed 24 to 26 December, back open on the 27th
- Design Camps for 7 to 14 year olds run as workshops rather than a museum wander
Plan your visit
Is it free to get in?
The permanent collection display, Designer Maker User, is free. Some exhibitions are ticketed separately.
Do we need to book ahead?
Not for the free display, you can turn up. Booking is recommended for ticketed exhibitions and events.
What are the opening hours?
10 to 5 Monday to Thursday, 10 to 6 Friday to Sunday. It's open on bank holidays too.
Is there somewhere to eat?
The Design Kitchen on Level 2 does sandwiches, salads and hot drinks, though some cafe facilities are reduced while refurbishment is ongoing.
Can we store bags or a buggy somewhere?
There are lockers on Level -1, but they run on a £1 coin and aren't refundable if it doesn't work, so grab a token from the shop if you're short on change.
How long should we plan for?
A few hours covers a typical visit at a normal pace.
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