The Design Museum in London has successfully completed its lengthy move from the Shad Thames riverside to a new 110,000-square-foot space on Kensington High Street in West London. The museum, which selected its new home in 2008 in hopes of expanding their collection and event offerings, will continue to showcase work from multiple design industries such as architecture, fashion, product and industrial design, and promote innovative ideas for the future of the field through both temporary and permanent exhibitions. The museum will officially be open to the public Nov. 24.
The project team comprised London-based firms John Pawson and Allies and Morrison, international firm OMA, and engineering consultant Arup, who each worked with the museum to transform an abandoned 1960s-era Grade II* landmark, into a functional museum space. OMA and Allies and Morrison designed the exterior shell of the building, replaced the original façade to ensure it is structurally sound, and installed a basement, while John Pawson developed the interior of the building.
OMA also designed the museum's Pan-European Living Room, a gallery which will house the opening exhibit, “Fear and Love: Reactions to a Complex World.” Other opening exhibits include, “Beazley Design of the Year,” “Designer Maker User,” and “Designers in Residence 2016: Open.”
The new Design Museum will house a Swarovski Foundation Learning Centre, a 202-seat Bakala Auditorium, and a dedicated gallery for its permanent collection. Positioned in the city's Kensington cultural quarter, the museum's new prestigious neighbors include the Royal College of Art, Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), Science Museum, Natural History Museum and the Serpentine Gallery.
