One of the most fascinating museums in London is the Victoria and Albert Museum in Kensington. Full of art, furniture, and fashion, this is a fun museum to visit!
History
The Victoria and Albert Museum was founded in 1852 as the Museum of Manufactures to instruct the public on all matters relating to good design. Interest grew for this type of museum after the success of the Great Exhibition of 1851 where an estimated one-third of the British population visited the “crystal palace” and its display of manufactured products – from steam engines to exotic goods from Britain and beyond.
The museum moved to its present location in 1857. It was called the South Kensington Museum and was renamed for Queen Victoria and her husband, Albert, in 1899. Today it has over 2.8 million objects and owns the world’s largest collection of post-classical sculpture. It’s one of the largest museums in the world!
Visit
As you can imagine, visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum is overwhelming. It’s so large and has so many different galleries! Try to hit the highlights, especially with children, and just know that you have to come back.
Entrance to the museum is free, and it’s an easy Tube ride from central London. There is even a direct entrance from the Tube station! Plan your tour ahead of your visit by using this map.
Start off your tour on the lower level where you enter from the Tube. This space houses the exhibits from 1600-1815 Europe including pieces from Marie-Antoinette and Napoleon!
I especially love the fashion!
This chair was made for Marie-Antoinette with her initials carved into it.
And look at this lovely portrait of a 17 year old Marie-Antoinette.
This leads to the Medieval and Renaissance Europe galleries.
Head upstairs to the main level. The grand hall is beautiful!
Don’t miss the Becket casket from 1180 in the main floor medieval gallery. It contains the mortal remains of St. Thomas Becket who was murdered at the Canterbury Cathedral.
The other religious art and relics are beautiful.
I especially thought the Boar and Bear Hunt Tapestry from the 15th century was exquisite.
Next stop should be the cast courts which are some of the most amazing things I have ever seen in a museum! These life-size casts of famous statues, sculptures, friezes, and other art from Italy, Spain, and France are amazing. There’s event a life-sized Trajan’s column!
I can’t imagine how difficult it was to make these casts!
There is even a cast of Michelangelo’s famous David statue!
There are great displays on how they made the casts as well.
Head to the grand entrance lobby to see a beautiful Chihuly chandelier (head upstairs to get a better view).
The other big draw are the fashion galleries but they are closed until spring of 2027. Some fashion is sprinkled throughout the museum but I can’t wait to go back and view the new exhibits!
On the second floor are more British exhibits. I loved the Shakespearean feel to these rooms!
The exhibits continue into the Regency and Victorian ages.
Also upstairs is the Hereford Screen from 1862 which looks medieval but was created to look old during the Industrial Revolution.
This museum is a bit overwhelming with kids so be sure to plan your time there using the museum’s family trails. Kids will love searching for the clues! Kids will also be interested in the Young V&A museum in Bethnal Green.
The Victoria and Albert Museum is a must-see on any trip to London. It showcases British history in a unique and eye-catching way!
Helpful hints:
- Cost: free
- Recommended: ages 10 and up
- Tour time: 2-3 hours
- Gift shops located in three different locations on site and online.
- Transportation: The V&A is right on the Tube (South Kensington stop) and is an easy walk from parts of Hyde Park and Knightsbridge.
- Dining options: There are several places to eat in the museum, and afternoon tea in the V&A Cafe (follow signs for Morris, Gamble, and Poynter rooms behind the main cafe) looks so lovely! It is one of the prettiest cafes in London!
- Nearby hotels: Check out my London guide for my recommendations. One of my favorite hotels in London, The Intercontinental, is close by. The museum lists several partner hotels nearby here.
- Nearby attractions include: Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, and Harrods
Books to Read:
All links are Amazon affiliate links. Be sure to check out my Bookshop.org shop for even more recommendations. You can shop directly with the museum for even more books!
Adults/Young Adults:
- The Victoria and Albert Museum
- Creating the V&A: Victoria and Albert’s Museum
- Marie Antoinette Style
- Murder at the Victoria and Albert Museum
Middle Grade:
Picture Books:
