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Victoria and Albert Museum Tour: A Guided Crash Course

• Discover one of the most diverse fine art collections in the world
• Led by a local historian, our tour covers the history of British art and design from the Tudor monarchs to Queen Victoria

Victoria and Albert Museum Tour

A global collection, the islamic gallery.

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Victoria & Albert Museum Tour

Visit the Victoria & Albert (V&A) Museum in London – the world’s leading museum of art and design

A Victoria & Albert Museum Tour is unmissable because…

London is the design capital of the world and the Victoria & Albert is the world’s leading museum for art & design. Founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert, there’s no easy way to summarise a collection which spans 2,000 years and whose highlights range from the notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci to a bed that sleeps 8 people. It is quite simply an enormous, eclectic and fascinating treasure house of works by some of the best artists and designers the world has known.

The must-sees at a Victoria & Albert Museum Tour

• The Raphael Cartoons.
• Tippoo’s Tiger.
• The Ardabil carpet – one of the most beautiful and historically important in the world.
• The Great Bed of Ware.
• Sculptures by Rodin.
• The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci.
• The Victoria & Albert’s art collection of over 2,000 paintings.
• The Heneage Jewel – a gift from Elizabeth I to a loyal courtier.

Book a Blue Badge Tourist Guide for an inspiring Victoria & Albert Museum Tour including…

• A guided tour of the highlights of the museum’s collection.
• The most comprehensive collection of British design and art on view.
• Some of the world’s most important cultural treasures.
• A chance to explore just one or two specific galleries and cultures.
• Inspiring stories of artists and designers.
• A tailor-made tour designed to fit into your London itinerary.

It’s also worth checking with your Guide what special exhibitions are running. The David Bowie (in 2013) and Alexander McQueen (in 2015) exhibitions were absolute blockbusters with the McQueen exhibition alone selling close to half a million tickets!

Please bear in mind that these are not public tours, but private tours conducted by specialist Blue Badge Tourist Guides who will charge a separate fee, details of which can be found on our fees page.

Let us 'Match' you with one of our Blue Badge Tourist Guides who are:

• Friendly, professional and used to dealing with groups of all ages and sizes
• Holders of the prestigious Blue Badge (the highest Tourist Guiding qualification in the UK)
• Able to use special entrances at certain well known attractions to avoid waiting in long lines
• Able to offer tours in over 30 different languages

Simply input your tour request details in the form below. When you have finished, hit the Green ‘Submit to Match’ button. Your request will be instantly emailed to three highly qualified and enthusiastic London Blue Badge Tourist Guides, matching your criteria. They will then email you confirming availability, pricing and suggestions for the tour itself. So let one of our 500+ Blue Badge Tourist Guides make your stay in London a special one.

Short notice request! We will do our best to accommodate your needs, but generally try to give at least two days notice.

Date of tour: Flexible dates Coming to London for a whole week? Let the guide know that the date is flexible, so they can suggest an upcoming event or a less crowded time for the tour. (+/- 3 days)

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Duration: Morning Half day tour up to 4 hours maximum, usually expected to finish by 13:00 Afternoon Half day tour up to 4 hours maximum, usually expected to start by 13:30 All Day Full days are up to 9 hours, usually finishing no later than 18:00 Evening Only Half day tour up to 4 hours maximum, usually expected to start no earlier than 18:00

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The Ultimate Guide to visiting the Victoria & Albert Museum

V&a museum ultimate guide.

With nearly seven miles of galleries in several different buildings, and over 2.3 million objects covering 5,000 years of fascinating history; to say that the Victoria and Albert Museum covers it all is an understatement.

Not only is the V&A Museum the largest museum of both decorative and applied arts in the world, it’s also the world’s leading museum of art and design, and houses a variety of items which range from architecture, ceramics, art and furniture, to fashion, sculptures, jewellery and even theatre and performance.

When the museum was founded in 1852 it was originally known as the South Kensington Museum, but was eventually renamed the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1899 thanks to Queen Victoria’s relentless efforts in expanding the museum into what it is today.

But the Victoria and Albert Museum isn’t just a museum. It’s an ever-evolving and constantly changing venue, where visitors can not only learn more about the history of the world through its millions of objects, but also expand their own skills as well.

Not only is it home to millions of objects, artefacts and paintings, the museum also hosts free talks and tours by experts, family and membership events, and even courses and classes on a wide range of topics and subjects. There are also a variety of workshops held at the museum throughout the year, which focus on everything from modern calligraphy to book illustration, and even iPad sketching classes!

V&A Museum Highlights

The collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum are separated into different categories which focus on different areas of the world (South Asia, the Islamic Middle East, Europe from 1600-1815 and Japan), or specific areas of interest such as architecture, jewellery, glass, ceramics, paintings, photographs, textiles and theatre and performance.

Some of the most notable items and/or exhibitions held at the Victoria and Albert Museum include:

• Tipu’s Tiger (a wooden model of a tiger with a mechanical organ that dates back to the 1790s).
• The entire jewellery section (which is home to over 3,000 jewels dating from ancient times to the modern era).
• An Ox’s Head sculpture (which was sculpted in Italy during the 17th century).
• A cameo portrait of Elizabeth I (dating from between 1575-1580).
• The earliest known photograph of London (circa 1839).
• Elton John’s spectacles.
• The Great Bed of Ware by Hans Vredeman de Vries (a 1590s carved oak bed which was mentioned by William Shakespeare in Twelfth Night).
• A unicorn tapestry (dating back to the 1500s in Flanders).
• Raphael’s Cartoons (a series of tapestries which were commissioned by Pope Leo X, circa 1515).
• A plaster cast of Michelangelo’s David.

There are also a variety of temporary exhibitions held at the V&A Museum throughout the year, so make sure you check the official website before you visit in case there is anything that interests you.

Special Tips

Getting There

Ticket costs.

The Victoria & Albert Museum is open every day (except December 24th, 25th and 26th) from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., and stays open until 10 p.m. on Fridays. All the exhibitions will close 15 minutes before closing times each day.

Be aware that there are some exhibitions that may have an entrance fee.

If you want to become a V&A Member, which includes free entry to all the exhibitions, a membership costs £64 for adults, £59 for seniors, and £35 for anyone under the age of 26.

You can purchase your membership online before you visit, and collect your Membership Card from the Members’ Desk in the museum.

If you’re interested in learning more about a specific gallery inside the museum, there are one-hour tour groups which focus on individual galleries, and cost £10 per person. You can also book your own tailor-made 1.5-hour tour for a specific interest or topic which costs £17.50 per person; (however, minimum person fees will apply so try to book in a group if possible).

There are even Friday Late programs for adults, which take place on the last Friday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Activities include live music, movies, lectures, talks, dancing and even fashion shows, and you can find out more information on the V&A official website.

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Private Guided Tour of The Victoria and Albert Museum - 3 Hour

• A fascinating Personal Guided Tour of the highlights of one of the world's greatest collections.
• Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL, UK Main Entrance, on Cromwell Road (if raining, meet inside under huge glass chandelier)
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• V&A - Victoria and Albert Museum

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Victoria and Albert Museum Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL, UK Main Entrance, on Cromwell Road (if raining, meet inside under huge glass chandelier) See address & details
• 1 V&A - Victoria and Albert Museum Stop: 3 hours A private, bespoke tour of the museum for up to four people with a friendly, expert guide. Each tour guides you through the most fascinating pieces in the collection, packed with information and anecdotes which bring the works to life. Tours can also be tailored to include your particular interests. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• MickiH_12 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles What a phenomenal experience! I will never again wish to tour a museum without the guidance of a knowledgeable professional. The only codicil is that the tour guide must be as good as Robert Miller. He provides a very high bar for anyone to follow. I am so grateful to have had this experience, as was the rest of our group. Read more Written October 10, 2023
• luxurita 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Understanding British Art Robert was an exceptional guide. His vast knowledge of art and the way he imparted upon us the interesting tidbits that made our tour memorable was impressive. Tate Britain’s collection is vast and our tour gave us an amazing exploration of it. Highly recommend Robert for this tour. Read more Written July 1, 2023
• K1656ZIkenw 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Marvelous tour! Robert’s tour of the Wallace Collection’s outstanding paintings was excellent! Robert was knowledgeable, patient and friendly. Could not ask for a better guide. Read more Written June 27, 2023
• 333mikhailt 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful time with Robert Miller Robert is an outstanding art expert. He is very enthusiastic, with his level of expertise he can speak about paintings not 3, but may be 3000 hours ! Highly recommended ! Read more Written July 10, 2022

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Private Guided Tour of The Victoria and Albert Museum - 3 Hour provided by ArtGuides

Guide To London’s Victoria & Albert Museum: What To See + Tips

“Welcome to 5,000 years of human ingenuity in art and design” says the map leaflet of the Victoria & Albert Museum. And that pretty much sums up the institution know universally as the V&A.

Along the 12 miles of corridors in the labyrinthian museum, a representative sample exists of every form of fine, decorative, and applied art known to man. Throw in a few historic artifacts and fine paintings, and you have a museum that has something for everyone.

It was Prince Albert’s vision for the 1851 Great Exhibition that generated the foundation of the V&A. After Albert’s death, Queen Victoria made many donations and the museum was named after the duo.

As a result, the V&A is now one of the world’s richest and most eclectic collections, curated in a thoughtful and evocative manner. On top of that, the museum is perfectly free to visit.

The V&A has six floors of galleries. You could spend days in this place.

Here’s a quick overview of the layout:

• Basement : Europe, Medieval & Renaissance art
• Ground Floor : Asian & Middle Eastern art, Cast Courts, Raphael Cartoons, fashion
• 1st Floor : British art 16th to 18th century, Medieval & Renaissance art
• 2nd Floor : design, metalwork, ironwork, mosaics, stained glass, and theater & performance
• 3rd Floor : British art 18th to 20th century, contemporary glass
• 4th Floor : furniture and ceramics

>>> Click here to book a guided tour of the V&A

Guide To The V&A: What To See

Here are some of the can’t miss highlights of the V&A.

Dale Chihuly Chandelier

This gorgeous chandelier epitomizes the V&A. It’s a beautiful manufactured object that demonstrates immense technical skill and innovation ad blurs the line between arts and crafts.

Chihuly is the preeminent glass artist in the United States. He studied glass making in Venice . Each blue and yellow strand of the chandelier is tied with a wire to a central spine.

When the chandelier was installed in 2001, Chihuly fretted that it was “too small.” He had it disassembled and added more air bubbles.

Hereford Screen

This is a 35 by 35 foot screen built for the high altar of Hereford Cathedral. It looks medieval, but it was actually part of a retro vibe during the Industrial Revolution.

It was built with all the technological innovations at the time. The entire project took 5 months instead of many years.

Sadly, though, a century later, Neo-Gothic was out and Modernism was in. The screen was ridiculed, and later brought to the V&A.

Giambologna, Samson Slayling a Philistine

This stunning spiraling statue was sculpted by the Florentine artist Giambologna. In Italy, he was second only to Michelangelo. This was his first major commission 

The sculpture is 7 feet tall and displayed on a shoulder level plinth. it was carved out of a single block of marble. It shows a testy warrior leaning back and brandishing a weapon, preparing to decapitate the man who has insulted him.

Originally destined for a fountain in Florence, the sculpture instead made its way to London. And, indeed, the V&A has one of the best collections of Italian Renaissance sculpture outside Italy.

Great Bed of Ware

This immense 10 foot tall four poster bed has elaborate carvings and inlays. It was mentioned by Shakespeare in his play Twelfth Night .

The Great Bed of Ware was made in the town of Ware in the late 16th century. Its size made it symbol of the communal sleeping habits of the Elizabethan era.

Due to its size and communal nature, the bed became known for the humorous and sometimes ribald inscriptions left by travelers who slept in it.

Ardabil Carpet

This carpet is the centerpiece of the Islamic Art exhibit. It’s one of the largest and finest carpets in existence.

It was commissioned by the then ruler of Iran, Shah Tahmasp, for a shrine. The date of completion is 1539-40.

The carpet was made on a silk warp and topped by a dense woodpile of 304 knots per square inch. It took a dozen workers a year to make.

The carpet is very dimly lit to preserve its color. But you can see it lit up for 10 minutes on the hour and half hour.

The V&A’s Asian collections span over 5000 years, ranging from 3,500 BC to the present.

This vast region includes China, Korea, Japan, South-East Asia (from Burma to Indonesia), South Asia (encompassing Pakistan and India), Central Asia (from Tibet to the Caspian Sea), and the Middle East.

One of the V&A’s particular areas of expertise is the art of South Asia. It boasts an unparalleled assemblage of almost 60,000 artifacts from countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Nepal.

A highlight is the wine cup of Shah Jahan. It’s an intricately detailed white jade cup made for the 17th century Mughal emperor, who built the Taj Mahal.

I also loved the Shiva Natarja from the 12th century. It’s a bronze statue of the Hindu god who creates the world by dancing.

The sculpture is loaded with symbolism, about where humans come from and where we’re going. Surrounded by a ring of fire, Shiva crosses a leg in time with the music with a cobra draped over his arm.

READ : Guide To the Museum of Asian Art In Washington DC

Medieval & Renaissance Galleries

In these galleries (spread over 3 floors), you can walk through 1,200 years of decorate arts from 300 to 1500. The ground floor “Renaissance City” is beautiful, massive, and well-lit space. It was my personal favorite gallery at the V&A.

There are ancient sculptures, altarpieces, reliquaries, stained glass, and choir screens. There are some beautiful paintings by Pietro Perugino and Sandro Botticelli , ceramics by della Robbia, and sculptures and reliefs by Donatello .

One of the most famous items is the Beckett Casket. It’s a blue and gold box made in Limoges that holds the mortal remains (relics) of St. Thomas Becket. He was murdered after clashing with King Henry II over matters of church and state authority.

Another must see is the Codex Forster III by Leonardo d Vinci . Leonardo was the total Renaissance man. He recorded his observations and inventions in tiny notebooks like this one. This one dates from when he lived in Milan , just before undertaking The Last Supper fresco .

Cast Courts

Rooms 46A and B are filled with plaster casts of outstanding classical, ancient, and medieval artworks and architecture.

This type of collection was exceedingly popular in the late Victoria era, when museums aimed to educate the public.

The casts were created by master craftsmen. If the citizens of London couldn’t get to Europe, they could at least see what they were missing.

If you are a Michelangelo fan, you can follow Michelangelo’s entire career in these rooms.

There are casts of his famous 17 foot tall David , Moses , the Dying Slave and Rebellious Slave , and the tomb sculptures for the Medici Chapels .

Just above the David, is a reproduction of Raphael’s most iconic painting, School of Athens, from the Raphael Rooms of the Vatican Museums .

Continuing on the Florentine Renaissance theme, you can also see Ghiberti’s bronze Baptistery doors, Donatello sculptures, and Pisano’s baptismal font from Pisa. For lovers of Ancient Rome , there’s even a replica of Hadrian’s Column.

Raphael Cartoons

These cartoons are a set of large-scale designs by Raphael , commissioned by Pope Leo X for the Sistine Chapel. As the pope’s private chapel, it required the finest decoration.

Created between 1515-16, these great colored pictures cover almost 20 feet! They depict scenes from the lives of St. Peter and St. Paul in the New Testament.

The most spectacular one is the Miraculous Draught of Fishes .

In it, a flock of hungry cranes watches men straining at a bulging net. A wild haired Peter kneels before Christ in the bow of a small ship brimming with fish.

Nehru Gallery of Indian Art

This gallery is found in Room 41 on the ground floor (South Asia art). You’ll see dazzling jewelry, detailed gouache paintings, and a gold throne.

The most celebrated piece is Tipu’s Tiger. It’s a 3/4 life-size wooden tiger who’s devouring a European solider.

It’s not a real tiger but a unique mechanical toy made in the 1790s. What makes it special is that it’s also a musical instrument! When you turn a crank, it makes growling and wailing sounds, and the soldier moves his arm.

Rosetti, The Day Dream

If you’re a fan of the Pre-Raphaelite artists , you’ll want to see Rossetti’s gorgeous painting, The Day Dream . It’s in Room 81 on the second floor.

In this exquisite painting, Rosetta’s muse appears as a captivating vision in shades of teal green, nestled within a verdant sycamore landscape.

Jane’s gaze seems lost in contemplation, fixed upon a subject that has evidently ensnared her thoughts. Yet, one cannot help but wonder whether the daydream depicted here belongs to Jane or is a reflection of Rossetti’s own inner musings.

The landscape itself holds subtle symbolism, with the presence of honeysuckle — an emblem of love — perhaps alluding to the clandestine nature of their affair.

There are also some beautiful paintings at the V&A by the English artists John Constable and J.W. Turner.

Antonio Canova, The Three Graces

Regarded internationally as a masterpiece of Neo-classical European sculpture, The Three Graces was carved in Rome by Antonio Canova between 1814 and 1817 for an English collector.

This group of three mythological sisters is in fact a second version of an original – one commissioned by the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte.

The sculpture depicts the three daughters of Zeus, king of the gods. They represent charm, beauty, and creativity. The graces are intertwined in a dance-like composition.

Theater and Performance Exhibits

Rooms 103-06 documents the history of live performance in the UK.

There are exhibits relating to all areas of performing arts, including drama, dance, opera, circus, puppetry, comedy, musical theatre, costume, set design, pantomime, and popular music.

You can expect to see items like Hamlet skulls, rock and roll posters, Vivien Leigh’s Cleopatra dress, Star Wars costumes, Shakespeare’s first folio, Peter Townsend’s smashed guitar, and Mick jagger’s jumpsuit. Oddly, there’s not much on The Beatles.

There’s also a fashion gallery, where you can explore the evolution of fashion over centuries. You will often find temporary exhibitions by designers like Dior or Chanel.

Practical Guide & Tips For The V&A

Address : Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2R. There are several entrances: (1) the grand entrance on Cromwell Road; (2) the main entrance on Exhibition Road; and the pedestrian tunnel from the South Kensington tube stop.

Hours : Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:45 pm.

Tickets : Admission is free. A separate charge may apply to temporary exhibitions. You’ll want to pick up a free map to carry with you.

Tours : You could also join one of the museum’s many themed guided tours .

Shop : The V&A has an absolutely fantastic museum shop. You can find for jewelry, ceramics, gifts, clothing, etc.

Pro Tips : If you are traveling with children, one of the most clever ways to see the museum is on the “Gothic Gallery Trail,” which is set up in a treasure hunt style.

How Long To Spend :

As I mentioned above, you could spend all day at the museum. You may want to narrow down the exhibits you want to see if you only have 2-3 hours.

If you are staying in the South Kensington area (which I recommend!), maybe plan 2 separate visits to the museum.

The John Madejski Garden is the V&A’s central courtyard, designed as a serene oasis in the heart of the museum. The garden features a large, circular fountain at its center, surrounded by smaller fountains.

There is ample seating area in the garden, both in the sun and shaded spots. This is an excellent spot for a picnic.

The V&A has a gorgeous main museum cafe. In fact, it was the world’s first museum cafe. It features decor by leading Victorian artists and offers a selection of teas, coffees, and cakes.

You can also eat at the Garden Cafe in one corner of the courtyard or the Courtyard Cafe at the Exhibition Road entrance.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the V&A. You may find these other London travel guides useful:

• 3 Day Itinerary for London
• 5 Day Itinerary for London
• Hidden Gems in London
• Tourist Traps To Avoid in London
• Best Museums in London
• Day Trips from London
• Harry Potter Places in London
• Guide to the Tower of London
• Guide to the Churchill War Rooms
• Guide To the National Gallery of Art

If you need a guide to the V&A, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on December 2, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

15 Tips for Visiting the Victoria & Albert Museum

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Whether you’re got a keen eye for design, a penchant for fashion, or a long-lasting desire to see any number of beautiful things given to the royal family over the years from far flung countries, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London is for you!

It can be a little difficult to describe this museum to visitors, as unlike the Science Museum and Natural History Museum which have very clear topics, the V&A is more about a collection of beautiful, historic, and wonderfully designed things.

You’ll find everything from Chinese ceramics to evening dresses worn by the rich and famous to paintings to ornately decorated clocks.

The Victoria & Albert Museum is a must-visit for many London visitors, but if you’re not familiar with it, check out my guide to the Victoria & Albert Museum to make the most of your visit and decide if it’s the right choice for your day in London.

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1. Arrive at opening time for lower crowds

As with any of the major London museums, the best time to arrive is right around opening time to explore the museum with fewer crowds.

It gets busier as the day goes on, so get there bright and early at opening at 10:00am.

The museum closes at 5:45pm, except for on Fridays.

2. Take a private tour so you don’t miss the must-dos

It can be overwhelming to navigate through the V&A because there is just so much to see that you’ll never fit it all in, so if you’re a savvy traveler who wants to make the most of your time, this private tour is a great option.

You’ll have an experienced guide with you who has all of the information you’d ever want to know on the most important pieces in the museum and you won’t have to worry that you’ve missed something important or noteworthy because they’re in charge of making sure you see the museum in the most efficient and interesting way possible.

>> Click here to check prices and availability for my favorite private tour of the V&A

3. Book ahead for popular exhibitions

The V&A has some of the best exhibitions in London – often featuring fashion accessories and dresses, but always having to do with something topical, beautiful, and important in the worlds of performance, art, and design.

You do need to pay for these exhibitions, and they often sell out, so make sure to book in advance.

4. Remember that it’s completely free

It’s completely free to visit the main galleries and permanent exhibitions within the V&A, and you don’t need to book ahead to do this, so despite the rotating exhibitions needing tickets, no one else needs to worry about booking or paying.

Stroll on it and enjoy your time!

5. Have lunch outdoors in the summer at the Garden Café

If you remember any one thing from this V&A museum review, it’s to check out the Garden Cafe!

It’s best in the summer months when the weather is nice, but there is a wide range of food on offer and you can enjoy it while soaking in the sun in the inner courtyard of the museum.

Even if you don’t want something to eat, don’t miss your chance to spend some time relaxing in this oasis – you’ll really quickly forget that you’re in the middle of Central London, and sometimes that’s a good thing.

6. Leave larger items in the cloakroom

At the V&A, there is a dedicated cloakroom for items larger than purses or small backpacks, and in fact they even have space for carry-on style luggage if you have to bring that with you before your plane leaves (or if you arrive right after it lands).

There is a small charge per item, but you cannot carry these larger items (including child scooters, adult folding bikes, and large umbrellas) around with you, so make sure to make sure of the cloakroom.

7. Walk from South Kensington Station

The best way to get to the V&A, which is located on Exhibition Road in South Kensington , is to walk 5 minutes from the South Kensington tube station.

It’s also a 10 minute walk from Gloucester Road tube station if this is easier for your schedule, and there are plenty of buses that go through the South Kensington area.

8. Use the V&A Digital Map to enjoy their curated trails

If you don’t want to pay for a tour, but do want a guided experience in the museum, try the self-guided trails that are offered on the V&A website.

They’ve put together all of their best pieces in different kinds of trail maps so you can follow along and give yourself your own V&A tour.

9. Explore as a family with the Family Trail

The V&A is the one museum in London that I wouldn’t necessarily recommend for kids.

If you’ve got kids with you, you’ll really be better off at the Natural History Museum or Science Museum or somewhere else cool like the London Transport Museum.

The gorgeous paintings, sculptures, and designer furniture in the V&A may be a little underwhelming to the younger set, but if you do have kids in tow, check out the Family Trail at the V&A which is available online, as this can help keep them interested as you explore.

10. Stay late on a Friday night

On Friday nights, the museum is open late – until 10pm!

This makes it one of the coolest things to do in London at night and a really fun way to spend an evening in London .

11. Make sure to see its most famous collection pieces

Some of the most popular and awe-inspiring pieces in the museum include:

• Cast of Michaelangelo’s “David”
• Sacred stained glass collection
• St. George altarpiece
• Bed of Ware
• Augsburg clock

12. Have lunch at the Main Café any time of the year

The Main Cafe (yes, that’s the name!) has a wonderful variety of food options for lunch and snacks, and is open year-round and daily (unlike the Garden Cafe which isn’t open during the weekdays during the colder months).

I always recommend eating at the café when visiting a museum in London – it’s fast, it’s easy, and they have genuinely nice food options so you don’t need to go out and to a restaurant or visit a café off-site.

13. Use the Exhibition Road entrance for accessibility

There are two entrances to the museum, but if you need an entrance that’s accessible for wheelchairs, make sure to use the Exhibition Road entrance instead of the main Grand Entrance.

14. Buy a unique souvenir from the V&A Main Shop

There are so many souvenir options at the V&A shop, ranging from books to clothing to replica casts of some of the best pieces in the museum.

Whether you want to remember your own trip to London or you want to bring something home to an art or design lover, this is one of my favorite museum shops.

15. See the other Kensington museums on the same day

The Science Museum and Natural History Museum are quite literally right around the corner from the V&A Museum, so if you have either of those on your agenda, make sure to see them on the same day so you don’t spend a ton of time criss-crossing the city.

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Victoria and Albert Museum

This post covers the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington, a world-renowned institution dedicated to the arts, design, and culture.

• The Victoria and Albert Museum
• The V&A South Kensington - including the address, hours, links to maps, facilities, and more.

THE VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM

The V&A is made up of a handful of museums, including V&A South Kensington (in London), V&A Wedgwood Collection (in Staffordshire), V&A Dundee (in Dundee, Scotland), with two others, Young V&A and V&A East (in London), currently in the works.

First established in 1852 as the Museum of Manufacturers in Marlborough House, the museum was moved and eventually renamed after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1899. 

Both of them were passionate advocates of the arts and design.

The V&A today is home to a collection of over 2.8 million objects, ranging from ancient artifacts to modern design objects.

This makes it one of the largest and most diverse museums in the world.

It houses millions of objects covering 5,000 years of human creation.

In addition to its permanent collections, the V&A also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions, which showcase the work of contemporary artists and designers.

It is a true treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the arts and design.

THE V&A SOUTH KENSINGTON

The Victoria and Albert Museum South Kensington is located in the heart of London's cultural district.

It is situated in close proximity to other major museums such as the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, as well as numerous cultural attractions, restaurants, and shops. 

The V&A is easily accessible by public transportation, with the nearest underground stations being South Kensington, and Knightsbridge.

And a bit further away are the Sloane Square and Gloucester Road tube stations. 

Several bus routes also stop outside.

Cromwell Road

London, SW7 2RL

The museum is open daily from 10:00 - 17:45 (5:45 pm) - except for Fridays when it is open until 22:00 (10:00 pm).

How Long Is Needed For a Visit

Honestly, one could spend days there and not see it all.

Many folks recommend visits in two to three-hour increments, so items can be fully observed and enjoyed.

A layout of the V&A can be found here , searchable by levels.

And a PDF map of the museum can be downloaded here .

There are also foldable maps to be had at the V&A near the Grand Entrance, for a requested donation of £1

Admission to the V&A Museum South Kensington’s permanent collection is free.

Some special exhibits have an entrance fee.

Facilities include cloakrooms where you can check your items for between  £3 and £7 each, depending on the size.

There are also lifts throughout the building for those who need them.

There are three museum shops where items such as jewelry, homewares, scarves, books, and prints, can be purchased.

The Main Cafe sits in elegant rooms designed by artists William Morris and Edward Poynter. 

It’s open each day from 10:00-17:00 (5 pm) and serves beverages, cakes and pastries, and hot and cold meals.

The Garden Cafe is open all year round during the same hours, although its opening is weather dependent during December and January.

It serves beverages, cakes, salads, and sandwiches.

Buildings and Gardens

The Victoria and Albert Museum South Kensington is housed in a series of historic buildings, including the main museum building, which was designed by Sir Aston Webb and completed in 1909. 

The V&A's buildings are a beautiful blend of historical and modern architectural styles and are an integral part of the museum's appeal.

The main building is an example of Edwardian Baroque architecture and is characterized by its grand entrance, impressive dome, and ornate decorations. 

The building is constructed from Portland stone and features a number of intricate details, such as carved figures, reliefs, and mosaics. 

The museum also includes the Henry Cole Wing, which was completed in 1857, home to the museum's architecture and design collection, as well as the Sackler Centre for arts education, completed in 2001. 

The museum's John Madejski Garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of London, with an oval elliptical pool and water jets, planters with trees that change throughout the seasons, and a tranquil courtyard.

Outdoor exhibitions and events, such as sculpture displays and open-air concerts, often take place in this beautiful outdoor space.

The V&A's educational programs and events include talks, workshops, guided tours, evening lectures, concerts, and film screenings.

These are led by knowledgeable experts and are designed to help visitors learn more about the museum's collections and the history of art and design.

The V&A also has a number of interactive exhibits, which allow visitors to engage with the museum's collections in a hands-on way.

Read more about tours below.

WHAT CAN BE FOUND AT THE V&A SOUTH KENSINGTON

Its collections are divided into several categories, including ceramics, fashion, jewelry, furniture, textiles, prints, and drawings. 

The V&A's collection is vast and diverse, with objects ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern design objects.

It also covers periods and styles such as Medieval, Modernism, Renaissance, Baroque, Art Deco, Aestheticism, and so much more.

All of the items on display showcase the skills of some of the finest craftsmen and designers in history.

Textiles and Fashion

The V&A’s collection of textiles and fashion is impressive, with over 75,000 individual objects covering thousands of years.

It has a wide range of fabrics, including embroidered pieces, lace work, tapestries, and more.

Its fashion collection is also noteworthy, with garments dating back to the 16th century and including pieces by some of the most famous designers in history.

The museum's temporary exhibitions are another highlight, with past exhibitions showcasing the work of contemporary artists and designers such as Alexander McQueen and Jean Paul Gaultier.

There is also a collection of over 2,000 pairs of shoes dating back 3,000 years.

The museum's collection of jewelry is another highlight, with pieces ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern pieces by contemporary designers. 

Over 3,000 jewels fill their collection including hair ornaments, earrings, necklaces, brooches, and more.

The V&A also has a large collection of furniture, ranging from antique pieces to modern designs. 

Their collection covers six centuries of British and international furniture production. 

Here you’ll find items such as a Maharaja’s throne chair, a Charles and Ray Eames storage unit, a Columbian cabinet from the 17th century, and much more.

The museum's collection of ceramics is also noteworthy, dating back to 2500 BCE.

It has a wide range of objects, including ancient Chinese porcelain and European pottery.

Paintings, Prints, and Drawings

The museum also has a large collection of works by some of the most famous artists in history.

The paintings collection includes European oil and watercolor paintings.

It also has thousands of miniatures, including portraits of historical figures such as Anne of Cleves and Catherine de Medici. 

The V&A's prints and drawings collection is another standout feature.

The prints collection has about 500,000 objects covering fine arts items and commercial production.

Here you’ll find works by some of the most famous artists in history, including Rembrandt and Michelangelo.

Architecture

The museum carries such items as entire historic rooms, large-scale architectural fragments, models, drawings, and more.

This covers works by some of the best British and international architects over the past 600+ years.

Visitors will find such items as a model of Albert Hall from 1864, a print of Petronas Towers by their architect, wallpaper designs for the Houses of Parliament, an entire housefront from London from the 1600s, and so much more.

Sculptures can be found throughout the museum. 

There is a gallery holding sculptures that represent mythological or allegorical subjects.

Another holds garden sculptures.

A third holds funerary monuments and portrait busts. 

There are religious sculptures from throughout Europe dating back to the 1300s.

Most fascinating are the Cast Courts, a display that dates back to 1873.

Here you’ll find “some of the world's most significant works of art reproduced in plaster, electrotype, photography, and digital media”.

Included in this gallery are plaster casts of the statue of David, tomb details, tabernacles, and much more. 

Also found in the V&A are rooms dedicated to works from Islamic Middle East, China, Japan, and South Asia.

There are also galleries dedicated to the Medieval and Renaissance periods, Sacred Silver and Stained Glass, Raphael Cartoons, and Buddhism.

TOURS OF THE V&A SOUTH KENSINGTON

There are an incredible number of tours offered by V&A, both free and paid, some set and others bespoke.

For detailed information, visit the V&A Tours webpage .

Free tours can be chosen from areas such as “Female Voices”, “Fashion”, “Highlights of the V&A”, and more.

Private set tours cost £10 per person and can have up to 25 guests. Bookings should be made at least a month in advance. 

These tours can cover such topics as “The 20th Century”, “Eastern Art & Craft”, “Interiors” and much more.

There are also private tailor-made tours, permanent collection private group tours and talks, exhibition-related private tours and talks , and private intercultural tours on offer.

TIPS FOR VISITING THE V&A SOUTH KENSINGTON

• Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. 
• Exhibits close 15 minutes before the museum closes.
• Refunds for special exhibits are not given.
• Wheelchairs can be borrowed from the museum and need to be pre-booked.
• There is a family page on the V&A website that provides treasure hunts and others ideas for keeping kids engaged during a visit to the museum.
• For families with prams, the side door on Exhibition Road is recommended as the cloakroom and buggy park are nearby.
• Some folks suggest planning which collections or exhibits one wants to see ahead of time so as not to become overwhelmed by options.
• Wear good shoes! The museum has over 7 miles of galleries.

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