Design Museum

The Design Museum in London, founded in 1989 by the legendary designer Sir Terence Conran, is an international beacon for the celebration and exploration of design in all its forms. Initially located in a building on the Thames in Shad Thames, the museum moved in 2016 to a new, larger and more modern location on Kensington High Street, inside a building originally designed by John Pawson. The mission of the Design Museum is to promote understanding of design and its impact on society. This goal is pursued through a diverse program of permanent and temporary exhibitions, events, conferences, and educational activities. The museum covers a wide range of disciplines, including graphic design, architecture, fashion, industrial design, and much more. One of the most emblematic exhibitions hosted by the Design Museum is “Hope to Nope: Graphics and Politics 2008-18”, which explored the role of graphic design in modern politics. This exhibition highlighted how posters, flags, badges, and digital memes have been used to mobilize protest movements and influence public opinion. With examples ranging from Shepard Fairey’s posters of Barack Obama to Donald Trump’s viral memes, the exhibition demonstrated how design can be a powerful tool for communication and social change. The museum is also known for its permanent collection, which includes iconic works by world-renowned designers like Jonathan Barnbrook. Barnbrook, known for his work with artists like David Bowie and Damien Hirst, has exhibited at the Design Museum with shows that explore the political and social potential of graphic design. His exhibition “Friendly Fire” encouraged designers to engage in non-commercial work, emphasizing the importance of design as a form of cultural and political expression. Another highly successful exhibition was dedicated to “Ferrari: Under the Skin”, which offered an in-depth analysis of the legendary Italian automotive brand, exploring the design process and engineering behind some of the world’s most iconic cars. This exhibition attracted a wide audience, demonstrating the universal appeal of automotive design and the museum’s ability to curate exhibitions that appeal to diverse audiences. A significant aspect of the museum is its commitment to promoting sustainability in design. Exhibitions like “Waste Age: What Can Design Do?” have explored the innovative solutions that designers are developing to address the waste crisis and promote a more sustainable future. These initiatives reflect the growing awareness of the crucial role that design can play in protecting our planet.