Victoria and Albert Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum has the largest collection of decorative arts and design in the world

Inside one of the 145 Galleries of the Victoria and Albert Museum
Inside one of the 145 Galleries of the Victoria and Albert Museum cc licensed photo by gailf548

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: No

Victoria 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 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating The Victoria and Albert Museum is an absolute treasure trove of art, design, and history. Known for its vast and diverse collections, the V&A showcases everything from fashion and textiles to sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts. Every corner of the museum offers something unique, with exhibits spanning centuries and cultures. The museum’s architecture is as impressive as the collections themselves, with beautiful galleries and intricate details throughout. Whether you're interested in classic masterpieces or modern design, the V&A has something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers and curious minds alike!
ARMAN Rez - a week ago

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4 Star Rating The museum is absolutely fascinating, boasting a vast collection of historical artifacts that span centuries. From intricate art pieces to stunning sculptures, the museum houses a treasure trove of human creativity and ingenuity. What's even more incredible is that entry to this cultural gem is free, making it accessible to everyone. I spent an entire day exploring the different galleries and immersing myself in the rich history and culture on display. Each artifact told a unique story, reflecting the diverse tapestry of human civilization. It was a journey through time, and I found myself marveling at the craftsmanship and artistry of each piece. I must say that the visit was worth every minute spent. The sheer depth and breadth of the collection left me in awe, and I came away with a renewed sense of appreciation for art and history. I left feeling inspired and enriched, with a newfound curiosity to learn more about the world around me. I highly recommend visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum if you ever get the chance. It offers a window into the past and a glimpse of the beauty and creativity that have shaped our world. There is so much to see, discover, and learn within its walls, and I believe it's an experience that you would thoroughly enjoy.
fearrow - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating September 2024: Enjoyed a wonderful Friday night visit at the museum. Was very lucky to see the Taylor Swift exhibit. The dresses were spaced out throughout the museum. So people were able to walk around and casually view the displays. There was also a cool interactive dress up where you can wear a corset and a Sherlock Holmes type cape. Super fun!
Ken Wong - a week ago

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5 Star Rating The Victoria and Albert Museum is an extraordinary place filled with the rich history of art, design, and culture. Founded in 1852, it's a treasure trove of sculptures, paintings, textiles, and artifacts from around the world, showcasing centuries of creativity. The sculpture collection is particularly mesmerizing, with intricate details that leave you in awe. The museum is massive, so plan for a few hours to truly explore it all. One of the highlights is the museum shop, offering a unique selection of art-inspired gifts, books, and jewelry. While entry is free, some special exhibitions come with a fee. Overall, it’s a fascinating journey through art and history, though a bit overwhelming at times due to its vastness. A must-visit for any art lover! In the video, Dale Chihuly's Rotunda Chandelier, installed in 2001 at the entrance of the Victoria and Albert Museum, is a vibrant masterpiece of glass art, captivating visitors with its colorful, organic forms. The Medusa sculpture in the Victoria and Albert Museum is a Roman marble copy of an earlier Greek bronze sculpture. The original artist is unknown, but many of the Roman works were recreations of famous Greek sculptures from the Classical and Hellenistic periods. The V&A's collection includes various interpretations of Medusa, reflecting the influence of Greek mythology in Roman art, but no specific individual artist is attributed to these works.
Saeed Hassan - in the last week

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5 Star Rating The museum is a unique collection of artifacts from all around the world and different crafts and history. Definitely reserve a lot of time to visit as it’s huge, located in the beautiful area. The entry is free
Ania W - in the last week

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Directions

Tube Line Nearest Station Walking Time
District, Circle and Piccadilly LinesSouth Kensington Station5 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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