Design Museum, London

Housed within a truly distinctive and audacious 1960s structure, the former Commonwealth Institute renowned for its striking cascading roof constructed from 25 tonnes of Zimbabwean copper, the Design Museum has undergone a remarkable transformation since its relocation in 2016: from a small and specialized institution into an impressive and easily accessible destination. With a now-established permanent exhibition, it offers an opportunity for anyone with even a passing curiosity about the contents of a museum dedicated to contemporary design to explore, free of charge.

A visit to the Design Museum is worthwhile just to appreciate its visually captivating interior, which surpasses the exterior allure with geometric lines, expansive open spaces, and a remarkable saddle-shaped roof resembling a sweeping concrete wave descending from above and gently caressing the walls. This picturesque venue encompasses four galleries, with one dedicated to the permanent exhibition and the remaining three showcasing the museum's exceptional series of temporary exhibitions, spread across three of its five floors. There's ample space left for a well-curated shop, a restaurant, a café, an auditorium, a library, and various other educational and research facilities.

The permanent exhibition, titled "Designer Maker User", is a thought-provoking and dynamic display that approaches design from these three distinctive perspectives, featuring a blend of classic, contemporary, and overlooked inventions. The strength of the initial section, "Designer", lies in its ability to take everyday and seemingly mundane items, such as traffic lights or fitted kitchens, and present and elucidate their innovative aspects. In the "Maker" section, visitors can explore exhibits that trace the miniaturization of technological products, alongside peculiar and groundbreaking contemporary innovations like a 3D printer and the Olympic Torch used during the 2012 London Olympics. Lastly, the "User" section delves into various aspects, including why we choose one product over another, our subconscious biases, and how manufacturers and advertisers manipulate consumer choices.