The Victoria and Albert Museum, also known as the V&A, is one of the most iconic and important cultural institutions in London. The museum is home to an incredible collection of art, design, and decorative objects, and offers visitors a unique and immersive experience of the rich and diverse history of art and design.
The museum was founded in 1852, and has since grown to become one of the largest and most significant art and design museums in the world. The museum’s collection is divided into a range of different categories, including fashion, furniture, ceramics, and sculpture, with each category featuring a range of different exhibits and displays that explore the history and development of these different fields.
One of the most popular exhibits at the V&A is the Fashion gallery, which is home to a range of different fashion objects and garments, including iconic pieces by designers such as Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen, and Vivienne Westwood. The gallery is designed to showcase the history and development of fashion, and offers visitors a unique and immersive insight into the world of fashion and design.
Another popular exhibit at the museum is the Medieval and Renaissance gallery, which is home to a range of different art and decorative objects from these two important periods in history. The gallery includes a range of different elements, including sculptures, paintings, and tapestries, and offers visitors a fascinating and engaging insight into the art and design of these periods.
The museum is also home to a range of different exhibits and displays that explore different aspects of art and design, including the history of photography, the development of ceramics, and the art of East Asia. The exhibits are designed to showcase the richness and diversity of art and design, and offer a fascinating and immersive insight into the many different areas of creativity and innovation that have shaped the world over time.
The V&A is also committed to education and outreach, and has implemented a range of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting the study and appreciation of art and design. The museum offers a range of educational activities and workshops, aimed at engaging and inspiring young people from all backgrounds.
One of the most popular programs at the V&A is the Creative Connections Program, which is a series of courses and workshops designed for young people aged 14-24 who are interested in art and design. The program includes a range of different elements, including design challenges, workshops with practicing designers, and interactive exhibits, and offers participants a unique and immersive experience of life in the world of art and design.
The museum is also home to a range of different facilities and services, including a gift shop and a range of different cafes and restaurants. The museum also offers a range of different public programs and events, including lectures, discussions, and cultural performances.
One of the most popular events at the V&A is the Friday Late program, which takes place on the last Friday of every month and offers visitors the chance to experience the museum in a unique and immersive way. The event is a popular and much-loved tradition in London, and attracts visitors from all over the city and beyond.
In addition to its impressive exhibits and displays, the V&A is also committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility, and has implemented a range of initiatives and programs designed to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices. The museum has implemented a range of energy-saving measures, including the installation of energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, and has implemented a range of recycling and waste management programs.
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FAQ's
What protective measures are in place?
We have a dedicated entrance (Exhibition Road) and exit (Cromwell Road) to the museum, though once inside you will be able to wander freely. We have lowered ticket capacity to enable social distancing, and we’re also providing protective equipment for staff and visitors. We will continue to liaise closely with other national museums, particularly our neighbours, the Natural History Museum and Science Museum, to ensure we have an integrated and responsible reopening plan for South Kensington.
Will I have to wear a face covering while in the museum?
Face coverings must be worn at all times covering your mouth and nose, unless exempt. We have sanitising hand gel and free disposable face masks available, as well as V&A face coverings for purchase in the V&A Shop. There are also protective screens at shop and café counters.
Are you still running online events?
Absolutely! We have some fantastic online experiences coming up.
Will the V&A Academy courses continue online?
Yes – we have an exciting and diverse range of V&A Academy Online art history courses which can be accessed globally.
Can I book a ticket to see the permanent collection?
Yes, you can book your free ticket in advance to guarantee entry at your preferred time, or walk-up on the day, although at busy times you may need to wait. Everyone, including our members, will need a ticket for Exhibitions
How will the free, timed museum entry tickets be controlled?
Tickets are available in 15-minute time slots. Please be ready to show your tickets when you enter the museum at the Exhibition Road entrance. There will also be socially distanced queueing in place. The exit is on Cromwell Road. For visitors with access needs, assistance will be available from a member of staff at the Exhibition Road entrance.
I have a ticket to visit an exhibition, do I also need a ticket to visit the rest of the museum?
No, if you have a ticket for one of our exhibitions, you are welcome to stay in the museum and view the permanent collection for as long as you want to, within general opening hours, after you exit the exhibition
How do I go about claiming a refund for a cancelled event?
We contact all ticket holders impacted by cancelled or postponed events outlining the options available to them. If you don't heard from us, please get in touch with our Contact Centre team at: hello@vam.ac.uk, who will be happy to help organise an exchange or a refund for you. Alternatively, you can donate your ticket value to support the V&A. Ticket revenue is vital to the museum, now more than ever, and it would be tremendously appreciated.
Can I reschedule my free entry tickets?
We want to be as flexible as possible with our entry tickets, so we've introduced a 15-minute window after your ticket time. If you're running late or worried about getting to the museum on time, please contact us as soon as possible by email at: hello@vam.ac.uk or call us on +44 (0)20 7942 2000.
I can no longer attend on the day/time of my paid exhibition ticket, can I exchange them or receive a refund?
We don't offer refunds or exchanges on exhibition tickets. Please email us at: hello@vam.ac.uk if you have any concerns about your booking or require further information.
I'm a visitor with access needs, am I still able to book wheelchairs for my visit?
Yes, we are still able to lend wheelchairs, with increased cleaning measures in place. These need to be pre-booked by emailing: hello@vam.ac.uk or by calling the Contact Centre on +44 (0)20 7942 2000.
Can I have a guided tour of the galleries?
We have a series of online self-guided trails of the V&A, which explore highlights from the collection, the building's architecture, and a selection of family favourites. There are also digital versions of the museum's popular African Heritage Tour and LGBTQ Tour.
Will I still be allowed to sketch in the galleries?
Yes, with some exceptions – please check the latest guidance. We want you to feel comfortable whilst sketching and drawing so sanitised stools will be available in Gallery 21, and once used, they can be dropped off at the Cromwell Road exit to be cleaned.
Can I download a virtual map?
Yes, we have a PDF of our Museum Map. You can also explore our building virtually through our Digital Map.
Will the museum cafés, and shops be open?
Yes, our cafés and shop will be open.
Will the museum's cloakrooms be open?
Our cloakrooms have not yet reopened. Bags larger than 56cm x 45cm x 21cm and bags with wheels are not allowed in the museum. Please note, only small sized bags are allowed in the galleries and as part of our security procedures we may ask to search your bag.
Are group bookings allowed?
Due to our restricted visitor capacity, we are currently unable to accommodate group bookings, including any private talks and tours of the collections. Self-guided visits are available for school groups.
What is available for schools? Can we book virtual visits?
School groups can now book a self-guided visit. You can sign up for our Schools e-newsletter to get the latest updates on school visits. We also have plenty of resources available for teachers and students online.
What is available for families?
We offer a range of events and activities for families, please see the Families page on our website for more details.
When will the library, archives and study rooms be available again?
We are opening different spaces within the museum in phases. The National Art Library, Archives, and other study rooms will remain closed for now. You can access our Explore the Collections database and explore our Archives online
