Founded in 1852 by its royal namesakes, the Victoria and Albert Museum – or V&A as it is often known – is a legendary institution in the world of art. With more than 2.27 million artifacts among its permanent collection, spanning everything from applied arts to decorative arts, design, fashion and performance, it’s one of the finest and most eclectic of its kind in the world.
The museum’s origins date back to the Great Exhibition of 1851, a world fair that was in large part the brainchild of Prince Albert. Imagined as the event’s legacy, it later arrived at its current Exhibition Road site in Kensington in 1857.It didn’t adopt its current moniker until 1899, when it was ceremonially renamed by Queen Victoria herself. Today, the Victoria and Albert Museum is by far one of the UK’s best loved attractions, drawing crowds of thousands to its 145 galleries each day.
Planning to pop down and see what the V&A has to offer? You’ll find all the essential info for your visit right here.
Where is the Victoria and Albert Museum?
The Victoria and Albert Museum is located in Kensington, right beside its similarly popular neighbours the Natural History Museum and London Science Museum .
The Victoria and Albert Museum address is: Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL.
How to get to Victoria and Albert Museum
With its relatively central location in the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, it’s a good idea to travel by train. Not only will you avoid traffic, but you can forget paying for parking and congestion charges when you take trains to London.
South Western Railway services can take you right into the capital, calling at London Waterloo, Vauxhall and Clapham Junction. From there, you can use London’s various modes of transport to reach the museum. Although the distance can be walked in around an hour from each of these stations if you feel like stretching your legs.
To use the tube from Waterloo, take the Jubilee line westbound for one stop, until you reach Westminster. Alternatively, ride Northern or Bakerloo line services northbound for one stop and hop off at Embankment. Whichever of these stations you arrive at, switch for westbound District or Circle line trains and exit at South Kensington. The museum is only a few minutes’ walk from here and the route is well signposted.
To reach the V&A from Vauxhall, ride the Victoria line northbound then switch at Victoria for westbound District and Circle services. Hop off at South Kensington and the museum gates are just a few hundred metres away. Alternatively, take the number 360 bus from Stop B directly outside the station. After around half an hour you’ll stop right by the western side of the museum at Exhibition Road.
As for Clapham Junction, it’s quickest to catch the 345 bus from Stop E outside the station, beside The Falcon pub. This takes you door to door in 27 minutes, with a stop just outside the neighbouring Natural History Museum.
Travelling by train
Driving into Central London at peak times can be a challenge. Thankfully, the South Western Railway network connects hubs like Bournemouth, Southampton Central and Portsmouth to the heart of the capital, through fast and direct train services.
Take a look at popular ticket types to find the right fare for your visit, and don’t forget to check if you’re eligible for any Railcards and discounts when buying your train tickets. Many people are pleasantly surprised by the saving they could make. You can also save money by travelling as a group through GroupSave, ideal for family, friends and travelling with kids.
Travelling within London
Did you know our network also connects outer areas of London with central transport hubs like Vauxhall and Waterloo? If you live in places such as Surbiton, Wimbledon and Richmond, let South Western Railway take you direct into the city. Plus, when using a London Travelcard, Oyster card or contactless, you can hop between transport types seamlessly and get to where you need to be with minimal fuss.
Things to do at Victoria and Albert Museum
With works spanning some 5,000 years up to the present day, you’ll need to set aside plenty of time to take in the V&A. Whether photography, architecture, furniture design or costume is more your scene, there’s something to suit all interests when you spend a day at this London landmark.
With works spanning some 5,000 years up to the present day, you’ll need to set aside plenty of time to take in the V&A. Whether photography, architecture, furniture design or costume is more your scene, there’s something to suit all interests when you spend a day at this London landmark.
Permanent collections
Comprised of more than two million individual pieces, the V&A’s permanent collection is among the most expansive in the world. It charts entire millennia of human creativity, from ancient ceramics through to modernist furniture and digital design work. As you move between spaces, you’ll find yourself among the artistic heritage of Europe, South Asia, Japan the Islamic Middle East and more. With seven miles of galleries to explore, you’ll want a museum map handy to ensure you don’t miss your particular areas of interest.
Victoria and Albert Museum exhibitions
Alongside the permanent collections, the V&A hosts a busy calendar of temporary and travelling exhibits, covering all manner of imaginative themes. While there’s usually a charge for tickets to these events (unlike the museum’s permanent collection), it’s always worth checking what’s on before your trip, as something may capture your interest. Popular exhibitions in the past few years have included African fashion, menswear, Korean pop culture and more.
Tickets
You don’t need a ticket to enter the V&A. Like other national museums, entrance to the Victoria and Albert Museum is free. This grants you access to 145 gallery spaces where the permanent collections are displayed, making this comfortably one of the best free things to do in London. However, if you’d like to view any of the temporary exhibitions, there’s usually a charge for these and you’ll need to purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment – though it may be possible to buy on the day.
Talks
With so much to see and learn about at the Victoria and Albert Museum, it always helps to hear from an expert. That’s why the museum has put together a diverse and enriching calendar of talks with guest speakers, researchers, curators, artists and more. With events scheduled throughout the week, guests can hear fascinating insights on a particular topic, with works from the museum’s collection part and parcel of the conversation. If you’d love to take part, you simply need to reserve a ticket in advance.
Tours
Want some help navigating the museum’s vast collection, or have a particular area of interest you’d like to explore? A Victoria and Albert Museum tour could be just the ticket.
The museum offers a range of free or private paid tour experiences. Free tours run at set times through the week and focus on specific subject areas among the museum’s collection, with the LGBTQIA+ tour, female voices tour, and African heritage tour among the most popular picks.
Meanwhile, private tours offer a whole world of possibility. Whether for yourself or a large group, you can choose from 11 set tours or go bespoke, allowing the team to tailor things to a topic of your choosing. Available for up to 25 people at a time, it’s recommended that private tours are arranged at least one month in advance.
Hospitality
Planning a big event? Then the spectacular setting of the V&A will surely add some magic. Whether it’s a corporate get-together or fairytale wedding, the architecture of the Victoria and Albert Museum rises to the occasion. You’ll have your choice of various gallery spaces to host your event in, along with access to the stunning John Madejski Garden. If you’d like to learn more, contact the museum about venue hire through their website.
Victoria and Albert Museum Shop
Want something to remember your trip by? Whether it’s for you or a loved one, you’ll find plenty of treats at the V&A Shop. Available both online and within the museum itself, you can browse everything from elegant jewellery to prints, books, homewares and more. Many of the products tie in with the museum’s current exhibits, so why not find a piece that reminds you of your favourite collection?
Tips for enjoying the Victoria and Albert Museum
Make the most of your day at the V&A by taking note of these tips:
• The museum is open from 10:00 – 17:45 each day, but it’s worth taking advantage of the late 22:00 close on Fridays.
• You can’t take large bags into the museum, and the cloakroom will charge per item. Avoid bringing items like suitcases and folding bikes or scooters if possible.
• A buggy park is located at both the Exhibition Road and Cromwell Road entrances.
Things to do near the Victoria and Albert Museum
With its location along London’s Exhibition Road museum quarter, there’s plenty to keep you busy in this corner of Kensington. The Natural History Museum and London Science Museum are right next door, while the Royal Albert Hall is a short stroll down the road and worth a look even if you aren’t catching a show. From there, you’ve the vast greenery of Hyde Park to explore, whether you prefer to take it easy on foot or zip around by bike.
If you’d like to stick with the theme, the nearby Saatchi Gallery is among the capital’s best places for art lovers. This contemporary museum only goes from strength to strength, and hosts some of the most unique exhibitions in London.
If the V&A’s fashion and design has got you inspired, why not head along and off Kensington High Street for some retail therapy? With a combination of established brand favourites and eye-catching boutiques, it’s easily one of the city’s best shopping spots.
Food and drinks
With so much to see, you’re bound to work up an appetite exploring the Victoria and Albert Museum. The good news is that there’s plenty provided on site, with The Main Café serving up a range of hot and cold dishes, as well as tasty cakes, pastries, tea and coffee. For an even more tranquil setting there’s The Garden Café, set among a hidden oasis at the centre of the building.
If you’re looking for something further afield, there are plenty of good restaurants near the Victoria and Albert Museum. Aubine, Zefi, and Hawksmoor Knightsbridge are just a few of the best places to eat near the Victoria and Albert Museum. Meanwhile, spots like Honest Burgers South Kensington and Franco Manca are great for families. And if it’s time for a tipple after a long day at the museum, don’t miss the rustic Zetland Arms or cocktail spot Jak’s Bar.
Places to stay near Victoria and Albert Museum
There are almost endless accommodation options in this corner of the capital, with something to suit all tastes and budgets. Premier Inn London Kensington offers friendly low prices, while the large rooms at London Marriott Hotel Kensington are great for families. Holiday Inn London Kensington High Street and Hotel Indigo London Kensington match comfort with affordability. Meanwhile, try The Adria for a spectacular five-star stay.
Remember, SWR rewards gives you the option to save when you book direct with us.
Victoria and Albert Museum accessibility
The V&A strives to make the museum building accessible to all. There’s a wheelchair accessible step-free entrance on the Exhibition Road side of the building, while the museum can provide wheelchairs when they’re reserved 24 hours in advance of your visit. Assistance dogs are permitted to enter the museum, while there are 12 blue badge parking spaces which can be reserved.
