Frequently Asked Questions

Safe and Sound - Checklist

For health and safety reasons, all visitors and members will need to pre-book tickets online.

The following measures have been introduced to ensure visitors and staff are safe to enjoy the museum. Please read them carefully.

Find out more about local restrictions on the government website Gov.uk.

pre-visit

Your pre-visit checklist

Before you leave the house, please make sure you have the following:

  • FACE COVERING (also available for purchase in the Design Museum High Street Shop)
  • NHS COVID-19 App track and trace downloaded on your phone.
  • CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD or a mobile payment system if you'd like to make any purchases in one of the three Design Museum shops (cashless purchases only)
  • £1 COIN to use a locker if storage is needed for bags and coats (non-refundable)
  • Your own WIRED HEADPHONES IF YOU ARE VISITING SNEAKERS UNBOXED to safely enjoy multimedia exhibits (3.5mm jack only). IMPORTANT: Bluetooth headphones will not work.
  • WATER BOTTLE. The museum cafe is currently closed. Drinking water is available on-site; however, no disposable cups are provided.

What time should I arrive?

Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your time slot and allow a short amount of time for queuing.

If you think you will be late for your allocated time slot, please speak to a staff member on-site who will admit you as soon as possible, when visitor numbers permit. You do not need to contact the museum in advance to do this.

Why do I need to pre-book my tickets?

To ensure everyone's safety, the museum limits the number of visitors entering its building and exhibitions. All tickets must be purchased in advance so that capacity is manageable inside the galleries.

All visitors have pre-booked time slots throughout the day. For this reason, spaces are limited, and we strongly suggest that you reserve tickets as early as possible for your preferred date and time to avoid disappointment.

Although it won't be possible to purchase tickets at the museum, admission slots can still be booked online on the day of your visit, if available.

If you cannot book online, advance bookings can be requested by emailing bookings@designmuseum.org (Mon - Fri 10.00 to 17.00) or calling on +44 20 3862 5937. Tickets are subject to availability and are not confirmed until you have received a confirmation from the team.

Do I need to book a time slot online if I am a member?

Members must book a members-only time slot in advance of their visit. Instructions are shared with all members. If you haven't received your bookings information, please contact membership@designmuseum.org (Mon - Fri 10.00 to 18.00).

at the museum

This symbol indicates that the museum followed government and industry COVID-19 guidelines and have a process in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.

What is the museum doing differently to ensure my safety?

Before your visit

  • Visitor capacity in the gallery has been more than halved to allow space for social distancing

  • All tickets are timed to a maximum of 1 hour

  • A new paperless experience, with pre-booked online time slots only

  • Extra cleaning slots added throughout the day

  • A unique queuing system to ensure social distancing

  • Bike parking capacity has been doubled so that you can cycle to the museum

  • Hand sanitiser stations will be available, including near the lockers, so you can still drop off your bags and enjoy your visit

During your visit

  • Wear a face-covering* to protect others

  • Follow social distancing in the exhibition

  • Hands-free experience with no touch screens or interactives

*Face coverings are compulsory for all aged 11+. Face shields can also be worn, but always together with a cloth face covering.

Will the facilities be open?

The Access Toilet on the ground floor and all toilets on level -1 will be open.

Will there be any food and drink available?

The museum's cafe remains closed until further notice. Free potable water will be available should you need it. The museum does not provide disposable cups; please bring your own travel mug or bottle.

Will there be a cloakroom or lockers to leave my belongings?

Lockers are available on level -1 for any baggage up to the standard airline carry on size. Please bring a £1 coin to use the locker (non-refundable).

contact

Can I change the date of my tickets?

If you feel unwell on the day of your visit, you can postpone your exhibition ticket for another date. Please contact bookings@designmuseum.org (Mon - Fri 10.00 to 17.00) or call +44 20 3862 5937, with your booking reference number.

Can I get a refund if the exhibition is cancelled?

If the exhibition has to be postponed or cancelled due to future COVID-19 restrictions and the introduction of new safety measures, you will always be able to either donate your ticket to support the museum or request a full refund.

How do I get in touch if I need to speak to a member of your team?

During weekends, the on-site Visitor Experience team will be on hand to answer any questions or respond to any concerns you might have. For general bookings information please contact bookings@designmuseum.org

Background illustrations by Romaine Delaney