Whats On: The V&A Museum - Design and Disability, LDN
In 2025, London’s prestigious V&A South Kensington will open the doors to a landmark exhibition that highlights a crucial yet often overlooked chapter in design history. Titled Design and Disability, this thought-provoking showcase celebrates the radical contributions of Disabled, Deaf, and neurodivergent individuals and communities to the worlds of design and contemporary culture — spanning from the 1940s to the present day.
Opening on Saturday, 7 June 2025, the exhibition is both a celebration and a call to action, inviting visitors to reconsider the narratives and voices that have shaped design as we know it. Through a diverse collection of objects, artefacts, stories, and creative works, Design and Disability sheds light on how these communities have influenced, challenged, and redefined the boundaries of design across decades.
The exhibition presents an inspiring and, at times, provocative exploration of how lived experiences of disability, deafness, and neurodivergence have fuelled innovation, creativity, and advocacy within design disciplines — from product and graphic design to architecture, technology, and fashion. It also examines the barriers, prejudices, and systemic inequalities that have excluded these communities from mainstream narratives and highlights the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive, accessible design culture.
Rebirth Garments. Photo by Colectivo Multipolar - © Colectivo Multipolar
Visitors can expect to encounter both historical milestones and contemporary works, illustrating the rich tapestry of contributions made by disabled designers, activists, and creative thinkers. From the invention of groundbreaking mobility aids to innovative approaches in communication, design for accessibility has not only improved daily life for millions but has also fundamentally shaped the broader design landscape.
The V&A South Kensington, with its rich tradition of hosting world-class exhibitions that explore the intersections of design, culture, and society, provides the perfect setting for this timely and essential showcase. Located in the heart of London’s cultural district, the museum invites visitors from around the world to engage with this important dialogue and reflect on how design can — and should — serve all members of society.
Design and Disability is more than an exhibition; it is a platform for advocacy, education, and cultural celebration. It encourages designers, policymakers, and the public alike to embrace inclusive design practices and recognise the vital role disabled and neurodivergent individuals play in shaping our collective creative future.
Exhibition Details:
When: Opens Saturday, 7 June 2025
Where: V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL
Cost: £16.00 (Free tickets are available for Disabled people and a companion)
More Information: vam.ac.uk/exhibitions
For anyone interested in design, social change, and cultural history, Design and Disability is an unmissable opportunity to engage with a vital, often underrepresented perspective within the creative industries.