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 I visited the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and it was truly an unforgettable experience. This museum is one of the world’s leading art and design institutions, showcasing an incredible collection that spans centuries and cultures. From fashion and jewelry to sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts, every gallery offers something unique and inspiring. The building itself is stunning, with beautifully designed halls that make exploring the museum even more enjoyable. What impressed me most was the diversity and richness of the exhibits, allowing visitors to learn and appreciate different forms of creativity and history. The museum also has a lovely café and gift shop for a pleasant break. Best of all, entry is free, making it a must-visit destination in London for anyone interested in art, history, and culture. Highly recommended!
Sultan Al Mansoori - in the last week

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5 Star Rating I was in London for the day primarily to visit the Natural History Museum and decided that I had time to visit the V&A, and I'm so glad that I did. I spent 2 hours exploring just a few galleries and particularly enjoyed the Medieval & Renaissance and the Cast Courts. As an avid sender of postcards I headed for the shop which had a reasonable selection at an affordable price; I also picked up a few other items from the vast array on offer. I didn't visit the café on this occasion. The toilet facilities were very good. Admission is free, though some special exhibitions are charged and the prices vary. The Cartier exhibition was sold out that day and looking at the booking site it's very popular indeed. Donations are welcomed. All of the staff that I encountered were friendly and helpful. Obviously 2 hours is nowhere near long enough to explore the V&A, so I'm planning another visit in the autumn.
Wendy Edwards - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating 🇬🇧★★★★★ 🇬🇧 From the moment we stepped through the grand entrance of the Victoria and Albert Museum, we knew we were in for something truly special. The stunning Victorian architecture and light-filled courtyard set the stage for an unforgettable journey through art, design, and history. Everywhere you turn, there’s something to marvel at from the intricate Renaissance sculptures to the vibrant contemporary fashion installations. The museum’s collections are astonishingly diverse. We lost ourselves wandering among sumptuous medieval tapestries, gleaming Islamic ceramics, and the world’s finest examples of British design. Each gallery is thoughtfully laid out, with informative labels that strike the perfect balance between scholarly insight and approachable storytelling. The staff were warm, however some could be a bit picky and annoying but I do appreciate they are just volunteers. They are also knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the objects they are always ready with a friendly recommendation or fascinating tidbit. We also loved the temporary exhibitions, which were impeccably curated and offered fresh perspectives on art and culture. Don’t miss the cozy café tucked away in the museum’s heart; it’s the perfect spot for a well earned cuppa ☕️ and a slice of cake 🍰 before diving back into the galleries. Best of all, the Victoria and Albert Museum is FREE, yes FREE to enter, making it the ideal outing for art lovers and families alike. Whether you’re a seasoned museum goer or simply looking for an inspiring day out in London, this gem of a museum is not to be missed.
Adee “Addy” - a month ago

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5 Star Rating I've always wanted to visit here, and finally we went this last weekend. Spaced out over three floors there was so much to see. The museum was busy but it didn't feel packed and there was plenty of space to walk around and take in all the beautiful displays. Unfortunately it was unbearably hot (due to the heatwave) and we didn't have much time. therefore we didn't get to see everything, but what we did see was great. This place is full of history and interesting items and you could spend all day here. The garden was lovely but shade was limited, and it was lovely to be allowed to cool my feet off in the water. We also brought some gorgeous one off earrings in the gift shop. The staff were all super helpful and friendly and the museum was spotlessly clean. I would definitely recommend, but make sure you have a whole day.
sally mckay - a month ago

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5 Star Rating We had the best time visiting the V&A museum this weekend. What a beautiful place! Full of beautiful and fascinating treasures. The architecture of the building itself just made you want to explore every room. The sheer size of the place takes your breath away. So much more than I was expecting, and totally free unless you visit any of the exhibitions. We had a picnic in their beautiful gardens and enjoyed watching the various children and families playing in the water feature/paddling pool area there. They had amazing cafes and some cool interactive displays. Just the layout and placement of some of the items was genius. Just a really good day out for all ages.
Emma Downes - 4 weeks 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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