Blog: Day at the design museum

The Design Museum has now relocated to the former Common Wealth Institute after a very modern and sculptural conversion. The entrance is a visual spacious delight, as you walk in and gaze upwards to view the dramatic centrepiece the new roof. I approved of the clean symmetrical modern lines, the feeling of space to move around and not have my personal environment invaded. I disagree with the critics who have bashed John Pawson’s design, I am but an ordinary self taught artist but I appreciate when I see good design, if we don’t update and change how can our creativity progress? As they say art is subjective and wouldn’t it be boring if we all agreed and liked the same objects, designs and creations!

The Museum entrance is free and has a permanent exhibition that chronicles the development, progression, history, politics and different mediums of design such as fashion, furniture, and technology. The companies and brands that have developed their products over the last century are displayed, a memorable delight for the design geeks and followers. There are independent galleries within the museum that host exhibition and events, a members room, also rooms for hire, restaurant, shop and cafe. They also host fee paying exhibitions such as ‘The Design of the Year’ and ‘Fear & Love’ and throughout the year will have a calendar of events.

There has been many discussions and controversy surrounding the contributions from property developer Chelsfield towards the renovation costs. However regardless how it is funded I am more than happy there is a Design Museum in the capital city that champions design, also considering all the cuts to the funding of arts and design in schools and other educational establishments. Let us hope that all the creatives and designers will be able to flourish and showcase their wonderful talent!

The Design Museum

224-238 Kensington High Street

London

W8 6AG

Opening Hours

Open daily 10:00 – 18:00

Last admission 17:00

Open late until 20:00 on the first Thursday of every month