Future Exhibition Book now
The Nue Black Aesthetic
Explore a major exhibition celebrating contemporary Black designers who are reshaping the design landscape, from fashion and furniture to architecture, product design and sculpture.
Tickets now on sale.
What to expect
What does it mean to be a Black designer working today?
Guest curated by author and journalist Charlene Prempeh, this major exhibition will showcase the work of some of the most innovative contemporary Black designers working today.
With over 100 objects on display displayed across six sections, the show will demonstrate that Black design is not a monolith, and that there is no single way to be a Black designer. By spotlighting diverse practices and voices, the exhibition invites visitors to rethink assumptions about what Black design looks like and who gets to shape design culture.
Many of the designers featured belong to diasporic communities, balancing shared experiences with the distinct traditions of their specific heritage. Their varied approaches to identity, culture and community reflect the myriad nuances of the Black experience.
The title of the show references the cultural movements of the ‘Black Aesthetic’ of the 1960s and the ‘New Black Aesthetic’ of the 1980s. But this exhibition proposes a ‘Nue’ era – one defined by nuance, where there is no single way to be a Black designer.
Designers featured in the exhibition:
Taiba Akhuetie
Ini Archibong
Tejumola Adenuga
Simone Brewster
Mac Collins
Foday Dumbuya
Feben
Phoebe Collings-James
Andu Masebo
Nifemi Marcus-Bello
Giles Tettey Nartey
Saul Nash
Tosin Oshinowo
Samuel Ross
Bianca Saunders
Rachel Scott
Braided rocking chair, 2025, by Taiba Akhuetie. Courtesy of Taiba Akhuetie
Eno Chandelier, 2023, by Ini Archibong. Photo: Daniel Kukla. Courtesy of Friedman Benda and Ini Archibong
Àgbalàgbà (Elderly) Chair, 2022, by Tejumola Butler Adenuga. Photo: Daniel Riley. Courtesy of Tejumola Butler Adenuga
Resting Figure, 2026, by Simone Brewster. Courtesy of Simone Brewster
Open Code, 2023, by Mac Collins. Photo: Megan Jepson
LOOK 23, LABRUM SS25, Designed by an Immigrant: Journey of Triumphs, 2024, by Foday Dumbuya. Courtesy of LABRUM
SS24 Temple Collection, Armour Dress, 2023, by Feben. Photo: Sarah Dattani Tucker
Born in Flames, 2021, by Phoebe-Collings James. Courtesy of Mudbelly Ceramics
Around Table, 2025, by Andu Masebo. Photo: Thom Atkinson. Courtesy of AHEC
Oríkì (Act III): Whispers of a Trail by Nifemi Marcus-Bello
TWIST AW21, LOOK 9, 2021, by Saul Nash. Courtesy of Saul Nash
Lantern House, 2022, lead architect Tosin Oshinowo. Photo: Tolu Sanusi
SIGNAL-3, TRAUMA CHAIR, RECOVERY CHAIR by Samuel Ross. Photo: Daniel Kukla. Courtesy of Friedman Benda and Samuel Ross
Look 10 from SS25 entitled The Hotel by Bianca Saunders. Photo: Filippo Fior
Diotima Fall 2026 Collection, Lou Skirt (left) and Femme Gown (right), by Rachel Scott in collaboration with the Estate of Wifredo Lam. Courtesy of Diotima
Book online
Booking information
Adult: From £15.29
Student/Concession: From £11.47
Child: From £7.65
Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Visit our terms & conditions page for further information.
MEMBERS GO FREE
Join as a member today to enjoy free exhibition access, members-only viewing hours, and exclusive events and discounts. Membership tiers include Family Membership, Member and Guest, Individual, Student, and Access Member.
Become a Member
Please note that the museum accepts digital/card payments only, including ticket desk, shops and cafes.
ICOM cardholders, please contact bookings@designmuseum.org for information on how to book your ticket.
Relaxed Opening Hours
- Wednesday 10 March 2027, 10:00 – 12:00
- Sunday 14 March 2027, 10:00 – 12:00
Join us for a Relaxed Opening of the exhibition, suitable for people who might find visiting museums overwhelming. A limited number of tickets will be offered, along with tactile materials and sensory maps. A dedicated team will welcome visitors with a neurodivergent profile, sensory processing differences, SEND, neurological conditions, or anxiety and their families, companions, and carers.
Find out more about the Relaxed Opening Hours of our exhibitions and how to book it here.
Museum opening times
10:00 – 17:00 (Monday to Thursday)
10:00 – 18:00 (Friday to Sunday)
Publication
With thanks to
The exhibition is supported by Cockayne Grants for the Arts, a Donor Advised Fund, held at The Prism Charitable Trust, and Pentagram Stiftung
With additional support from The Nue Black Aesthetic Supporters Circle:
Tania Correia, Swiss Cultural Fund UK and the Embassy of Sweden
Plan your visit
Plan your visit
The museum is located in Kensington High Street, next to Holland Park. Read our 'Plan your visit' page to find out more information.
Access information
On this page, you will find useful information regarding access at the Design Museum. We want everyone's visit to be enjoyable and work continuously to make the museum more accessible and inclusive to the widest possible audience.
Background image: ‘Strange Notes’ 2025 by Giles Tettey Nartey. Courtesy of Giles Tettey Nartey.