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 truly an amazing place to visit. The collection is huge, beautifully curated, and full of history, art, fashion, and design from all around the world. Every room has something interesting to see, whether you’re into sculptures, jewellery, textiles, or modern installations. The building itself is stunning, and you can easily spend hours exploring without getting bored. It’s a perfect spot for anyone who loves culture and creativity. Highly recommended for a day out in London!
Vibhor Sahrawat - a week ago

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5 Star Rating I recently visited the V&A with a friend to see the Cartier Exhibition. It was great, even though it was a bit crowded, which meant no hanging about. However, there were opportunities to return to an exhibit if you wished. I visited on a lovely autumn afternoon and the colourful trees outside added to my enjoyment. There's also a beautiful cafe for a wide selection of food and drinks. It's one of my favourite museums to visit as they put on great exhibitions on a wide variety of subjects. I recommend it highly as a wonderful place to visit anytime.
Shirley Fox - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating If you’re anywhere near South Kensington, the Victoria & Albert Museum is one of those places you absolutely must pop into. As someone who’s lived in England for years, I can honestly say the V&A never gets old. What surprised me the most on my recent visit was just how incredible the ceramics collection is. If you’re even slightly into pottery, porcelain, glazes, or anything to do with craft and kiln work, you’ll be blown away. There are shelves and walls filled—and I mean filled—with pieces from all over the world, from tiny delicate bowls to massive vases taller than a child. You could easily spend half a day in the ceramics section alone. And it’s not just ceramics. The museum has an impressive range of sculptures as well—scrubbs, marble carvings, classical statues, and pieces that make you wonder how on earth someone carved something so smooth out of stone. You walk through a hall and suddenly you’re surrounded by history in 360 degrees. The jewellery gallery is another highlight. It’s not just “oh that’s pretty”—it’s genuinely fascinating. Crowns, brooches, rings, intricate metalwork… some pieces are hundreds of years old, shining under the lights like they were made yesterday. One thing I really love about the V&A is how hands-on it feels. They’ve got sections where you can take a closer look at materials, textures, and even a few areas where touching certain samples is allowed. And if you love photography or design, the V&A has a bit of everything—fashion, textiles, prints, historical photos. It’s like a treasure chest that never ends. Honestly, if you’re truly into art, craftsmanship, or history, one day is nowhere near enough. You think you’ll breeze through it, but the more you look, the more there is. It’s the kind of place where you follow one hallway, and suddenly you’ve discovered an entirely new world. So yes—highly recommended. If you’re visiting London, the V&A should be right near the top of your list. Free entry, world-class collections, and genuinely inspiring. Come for an hour and you’ll wish you stayed the whole day.
Wachira Chitthong - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating My visit to the Victoria & Albert Museum was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. As I entered the galleries connected to Punjab and Sikh history, I felt a deep emotional connection. The artifacts linked to Maharaja Ranjit Singh—his weapons, jewelry, and artistic treasures—were beautifully preserved and displayed with great respect. Seeing them filled me with immense pride for my heritage. The staff at the museum were incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. Each section was well-explained and thoughtfully organised. For anyone interested in Punjab, Sikh history, or Indian heritage, the V&A Museum is truly a treasure. I highly recommend this museum to every traveller visiting London. It’s not just a museum—it’s a place where you feel connected to your roots.
Sukhchain Singh - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating The Victoria and Albert Museum in London is one of the most impressive museums I’ve ever visited. It’s a celebration of art, design, and human creativity from across the world. The building itself is stunning, and every gallery feels thoughtfully arranged. You can easily spend hours exploring everything from fashion and textiles to sculpture, jewellery, photography, and furniture. One of the highlights is the fashion collection, which shows how style has evolved over centuries. The sculpture galleries are equally captivating, with pieces from ancient times to modern artists. The museum does an excellent job of combining history with contemporary design, making it both educational and inspiring. The staff are welcoming and knowledgeable, and the museum is well signposted, which helps when navigating such a large space. Entry is free, though some special exhibitions require tickets. The café and gift shop are also worth visiting for a quick break or a unique souvenir. Overall, the Victoria and Albert Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in art, culture, or history. It’s a place that sparks curiosity and appreciation for creativity in all its forms a true gem in the heart of London.
Nirmal chaudhari - a month ago

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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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