Victoria and Albert Museum

The basics

Many opt to visit the V&A, located on the same street as the Science Museum and Natural History Museum, as part of a wider exploration of the South Kensington neighborhood. A private tour provides personalized insights for those looking for a more intimate experience of the world-famous collection. If you’re particularly interested in one area, thematic tours are also available, while families with kids can benefit from tours specifically designed for children.

Things to know before you go

• The V&A is a must-see for culture vultures and history buffs.

• Entrance to the museum is free, Victoria and Albert Museum tickets are not required, though some exhibitions carry a charge.

• The museum is fully accessible to visitors with mobility and/or hearing impairments, though be aware that the tunnel entrance from South Kensington station is not step-free.

• With over 145 galleries and millions of objects, the museum is massive and one of the world's largest museums of art and design.

• The Royal Albert Hall is not inside the Victoria and Albert Museum, but it is nearby. Both are part of the cultural complex in South Kensington, London, envisioned by Prince Albert.

• The museum has a dedicated stroller-storage area and is breastfeeding-friendly.

How to get there

The Victoria and Albert Museum is located on Cromwell Road in the South Kensington neighborhood of London. To get there by public transit, take the underground to South Kensington, which has direct tunnel access to the museum. Or take the 52 and C1 buses from London Victoria stop nearby.

When to get there

The Victoria and Albert Museum is extremely popular and can become crowded, especially during peak summer months. For a more peaceful visit, aim to arrive first thing in the morning on weekend days or in the late afternoon during the week, or take advantage of extended open hours on Fridays. The museum’s temporary exhibitions change regularly, so it’s a good idea to check ahead to see what’s on.

The V&A Museum of Childhood

Over in East London, another branch of the V&A specializes in art and design for young people. The UK’s National Museum of Childhood is the world’s largest museum of its kind and offers exhibitions, events, and activities to engage adults and children alike.

Ways to explore

Other highlights of the Victoria and Albert Museum include its world-renowned collections of Asian art and post-classical sculpture, and works by masters such as John Constable and William Morris.

A private tour of the museum provides personalized insights into the exhibitions; if you’re particularly interested in one area, thematic tours are also available, while families with kids can benefit from tours specifically designed for children. Many visitors opt to combine the V&A with the Science Museum and Natural History Museum on the same street in South Kensington.

Accessibility

The museum has step-free access, and admission is discounted for disabled visitors; the Knightsbridge tube station is the closest that’s step-free.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Bring your sketchbook and permitted materials (graphite, colored pencils, or white chalks), as drawing is encouraged.

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, to help cover all of the museum’s galleries

Not allowed

Wheeled luggage, tripods, charcoal, crayons, and other prohibited media

Amenities

Gift shop, luggage storage, café, restrooms, Wi-Fi

Address

The Victoria and Albert Museum is located on Cromwell Road in South Kensington, an affluent part of London known for its white townhouses and high-end restaurants. Some hop-on, hop-off sightseeing buses stop outside it.

Driving

Begin at Trafalgar Square, heading west on The Strand. Continue onto Whitehall and then follow Parliament Street past Westminster and Big Ben. Continue onto Victoria Embankment, following the river. Turn left onto Chelsea Bridge Road, crossing the River Thames. Continue straight onto King’s Road, passing through Chelsea. Turn left onto Fulham Road, heading toward South Kensington. The Victoria and Albert Museum will be on your left at Cromwell Road.

Public transportation

To get there by public transportation, take the underground to South Kensington, which has direct tunnel access to the museum. For step-free access, the Knightsbridge station is 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) away. The 52 and C1 buses from London Victoria also stop nearby.

Best times to visit

To go when it’s least crowded, try to arrive as soon after the museum’s 10am opening time as you can.

Best days to visit

The V&A stays open until 10pm on Fridays, so you can opt for a pre-museum dinner on the fancy Kensington High Street.

Best months to visit

Warm up at the V&A during London’s chilly winter from November through March.

Special events

On the last Friday of the month, the V&A hosts Friday Lates, accompanied by live music.