Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum has the largest collection of decorative arts and design in the world
With a collection exceeding 4.5 million different items, London's Victoria and Albert Museum is unrivalled in its category. In spite of having 145 galleries spread over 51000 square metres, only a portion of the massive collection of fine arts can be displayed at any one time. Items go back as far as 5000 years and cover nearly every medium of art.
Here you will find a vast collection of items including, sculptures, textiles, glass and ceramics, jewellery, silver, iron works, furniture, textiles, costumes, prints, photographs and drawings from every corner of the world.
The Victoria and Albert museum is named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The first building on the site was constructed in 1857. Subsequent expansions and updates have resulted in today's large museum and its variety of architecture. Another feature is a central garden area with a water feature and summertime cafe. Inside there is a cafe offering hot and cold meals that is open year round.
Since this is a public museum, admission to all of the permanent galleries is free, making it a great place to visit even when travelling on a budget.
This museum is located on Exhibition Road adjacent to both the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, so you may want to consider visiting them while in the area.
To learn more about the Victoria and Albert Museum as well as special exhibitions and hours you can visit their official website linked above.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoVictoria and Albert Museum Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM
Address: Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL, UK
Phone: 020 7942 2000
Official Website: Victoria and Albert Museum
Victoria and Albert Museum Reviews
Rated
out of 5 The museum is fantastic overall. My personal highlight was the intricate miniature structures on the third floor. Visiting on a Sunday, I found the first and second floors bustling with visitors, but the third and fourth floors were pleasantly uncrowded. From jewelry to technological devices, the museum exhibits a diverse array of items from around the globe. I highly recommend paying a visit.
Jacky Chan - in the last week
First visit for many years and had an interesting and fun afternoon. The food in the restaurant was amazing and the dining rooms were worth a visit in themselves. There’s a lot to do so I only concentrated on a few areas: fashion through the ages, the Raphael cartoons, furniture and a visit to the gift shop - full of stylish and quality items. Good family birthday gifts!
Julia Coleman - in the last week
The main reason why I visited the museum is to see the Gabrielle Chanel Fashion Manifesto exhibition which is now fully sold out. It is excellent and well curated. Many of her iconic coats and dresses are on display as well as her cosmetic range. The exhibition is not free but for Chanel fans it’s worth a visit. One also gets to see the history behind her creations. Two hours needed.
I also visited the sculpture section seeing the works of Rodin. It’s nice. As for the very much raved about cafe, I find it so so. True that the high ceiling is beautiful with great art work, the service of the cafe crew begs improvement. I find ordering a bit confusing too. But the place is beautiful and given that the museum is free except for special exhibitions, it’s worth a visit.
Swanie Paddles - a month ago
Huge museum with lots of great things to look at. Free tours every now and again. Ask at the info desk. You then realize that almost every piece has a detailed and unique history. There are hidden gems all over. I would recommend the Cast Room.
Jim Chadwick - in the last week
Directions
Tube Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
District, Circle and Piccadilly Lines | South Kensington Station | 5 MInutes |
How to get to Victoria and Albert Museum by Tube
From South Kensington Station exit onto Thurloe Street and walk to your right (east) ½ block to Exhibition Road and follow it north then right on Cromwell Gardens to the entrance on your left side.
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