Self-guided visits for learning groups

The Design Museum welcomes schools, colleges and universities for self-guided visits to its exhibitions. Please check our guidelines below to plan your next visit.

Information for teachers

Please read before your visit

We want all our visitors to have the best possible experience in the museum.

– Please book your tickets before your visit (including visits to our free collection display) and ensure you follow the supervision guidelines below. The museum offers complimentary tickets for teachers to facilitate this. If you do not meet this ratio, admission will be refused.

– While visiting the Design Museum, your group must fulfil the minimum adult-per-student ratio according to each Key Stage.

– If your group splits up to explore different parts of the building, we ask that you maintain the recommended ratio.

– Students should stay in sight of their supervising adult at all times while in the museum, and students and teachers/chaperones should be easily identifiable by Design Museum staff if needed – we will provide lanyards for staff to facilitate this upon arrival.

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KEY STAGES AND RATIO

  • Foundation Stage – Minimum ratio 1:6 | Recommended ratio 1:4

  • Key Stage 1 – Minimum ratio 1:8 | Recommended ratio 1:5

  • Key Stage 2 – Minimum ratio 1:10 | Recommended ratio 1:8

  • Key Stage 3 – Minimum ratio 1:10 | Recommended ratio 1:10

  • Key Stage 4 – Minimum ratio 1:15 | Recommended ratio 1:10

  • Post-16 – 1 adult per booking | Recommended ratio 1:15

Behavioural code of conduct

– Teachers, TAs, tutors and parents/guardians are to remain responsible for behaviour management and safeguarding, and should accompany students at all times.

– Our staff helps all visitors feel safe and comfortable during their visit. Please follow our staff guidance.

– Ahead of your visit, please inform your students of the following:

• Objects and exhibits in the galleries are not to be touched unless the label or a Visitor Experience Assistant invites you to do so.

• The museum is a place for walking, not running – there's a park located next to the museum, where running is permitted.

• We welcome discussion, but not shouting.

• Sketching is encouraged, but please do not bring wet materials into the galleries.

• No food or drink is allowed inside the galleries (unless in a closed container e.g. a bottle).

• A maximum of 10 students are allowed in our shop at a time, and at least one teacher must be present to supervise them.

Booking information

Group visits to 'Barbie: The Exhibition' and 'The World of Tim Burton':

• You can book up to 45 students and 5 tutors via the booking link below.

• Slots are available Monday through Thursday, term time only, at 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, and 13:00. Excluding the first and last two weeks of the exhibition run. 

• A minimum of 5 group student tickets are required

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DESIGNER MAKER USER Collection Display:

– Visits to our permanent display, Designer Maker User, are free. However, Learning groups must still book ahead, which can be done through the link below

– You can book up to 34 students and 4 tutors via the booking link below

– A minimum of 5 group student tickets are required

– Slots are available Monday through Friday, every 30 minutes from 10:00 to 15:30.

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PRICES

Self-guided visits to temporary exhibitions cost:

£3 per student in primary, secondary, further education and college

£5 for students in university and higher education, including overseas students.

Teachers and tutors are free at a ratio of 1:10 students. Any additional teachers will be charged the £8 Teacher ticket rate.

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CANCELLATIONS

To cancel a paid self-guided visit, please bookings@designmuseum.org within 28 days/20 working days prior to the date of your visit.

What's On

The museum explores the past, present and future of design through a programme of temporary exhibitions and pop-ups.

Get in touch

If you have any questions regarding group visits, contact the Bookings Office via an online enquiry form or email bookings@designmuseum.org

Background image by Art Fund © Hydar Dewachi 2024 for the Design Museum