Victoria and Albert Museum - London
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Let’s face it, some museums are more fun than others. To me, the Victoria and Albert Museum (aka the V&A or VAM) is one such gem. Palatial, but surprisingly homey, the sprawling complex is the world’s largest museum dedicated to the decorative and applied arts. It’s funky and eclectic collections include furniture, fashion, jewelry, stained glass, ceramics, sculpture, and more.
Over 5,000 years of human history is reflected in the museum’s 145 galleries. Most of the pieces are unique, stunning, or macabre. Still, it is easy to imagine many of the items (teapots, handbags, and earrings) in your home; thus giving the museum's exotic collection an approachable feel. Weather you spend a morning or a whole day, a trip to the fabulous Victoria and Albert Museum is one of the best free things to do in London England.
VAM HISTORY & MISSION
Named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the modern VAM was established in 1852 after the Great Exhibition of 1851. Since that time, the museum’s mission has remained constant: to teach designers and manufacturers about art and science in order to better British industry.
Today, the free London museum is home to over 2 million artifacts. Spread over 12 acres, the VAM’s exhibits (rugs, paintings, domestic appliances, textiles, iron works, and more) come from Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, and other locations.
WHERE IS THE VAM
Address: VAM South Kensington, Cromwell Road, London England SW7 2RL
The Victoria and Albert Museum is located in South Kensington, London (near Chelsea). The area is sometimes referred to as “Albertopolis.” Once a term used to commemorate (and lampoon) Prince Albert’s role in promoting Victorian culture, today the expression refers to the great number of historic Victorian structures that exist in the London neighborhood.
The VAM is a short trek from the South Kensington tube station. The area has ample street and paid parking (follow this link for information about car rentals in London).
The London neighborhood of South Kensington is a lovely mix of shopping, cultural attractions, and high-end residences. Close to a number of London attractions, many visitors choose a hotel in this area. Here are some well-reviewed hotels in South Kensington:
100 Queen’s Gate Hotel London (We stayed here - loved it!)
VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM TICKETS & TOURS
Like all free London museums, there is no charge for general admission. Some special exhibitions and events require a ticket (separate charge) for entry.
At regular intervals each day, volunteer tour guides provide free tours of museum collections. Upon entering the museum, pick up a tour schedule at the information desk by the gift shop. Some specialty tours (fashion, LGBTQ topics) are offered on a revolving schedule. Check the VAM website before your visit.
While you could spend a whole day at the Victoria and Albert Museum, it would be a lot to absorb. We suggest a half-day visit, bundled with another London attraction. Consider these well-reviewed tours:
VAM HOURS & BEST TIME TO VISIT
VAM Hours
Daily open 10 to 17:45
Friday open 10 to 22:00 (some galleries close after 17:45)
Closed December 24-26th
VAM Best Time to Visit
Like all free London museums, the VAM is a popular attraction. It tends to be the busiest between the hours of 11am to 3pm, and on rainy/unseasonably hot days, weekends, and holidays as well as the summer months of July and August.
We think the best time to visit the VAM is at opening time on a cool, sunny weekday between the months of September and June. Randy and I visited on a sunny Tuesday in mid-June. The museum was busy, but not crowded.
VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM BY LEVEL
Level -1: Europe (1600 – 1815); Medieval & Renaissance (300 – 1500)
Level 0: Buddhism; Sculpture, 40 Fashion, Asia (Islamic Middle East, China, Japan, Korea); Cast Courts, The Raphael Cartoons
Level 1: Britain (1500-1760); Medieval & Renaissance (300 – 1600)
Level 2: Gold & Silver Mosaics; Sacred Silver, Jewelry, Paintings, Photography, Design 1900- now; National Art Library, Sculpture, Ironwork, and Metalware
Level 3: Britain (1760 – 1900); Architecture, Contemporary Glass
Level 4: Furniture and Ceramics
VAM WHAT TO SEE
Unlike many other museums, there are no must-see exhibits (like the Mona Lisa or Michelangelo’s David). In addition, the VAM is large (145 galleries spread over 6 floors). This means that once you make it past the entry and gift shop, the crowds disperse. Other than the occasional temporary exhibit, most of the queueing you will do is in the cafeteria.
Randy and I suggest you look at the museum layout the night before you visit. At the entrance, pick up a free map and then head to the galleries that seem most interesting to you. We focused on levels 0, 2, and 4 (for a full half-day outing).
VAM Highlights:
Cast Courts: Replicas of famous sculptures and historical architecture (David and the Trajan’s Column). Level 0
Raphael Cartoons: Raphael’s planning sketches for tapestries hanging in the Sistine Chapel. Level 0
Jewelry (Jewellery) Gallery: Gold, silver, and precious gems in a collection through the ages. Level 2
Tipu’s Tiger: An Indian sultan’s wooden barrel organ of a European soldier being attacked by a tiger. Level 0
The Ardabil Carpet: The world’s oldest dated carpet (and one of the largest), made in Iran in the 1500s. Level 0
William Morris Wares: Designs of Britain’s 19th century arts and crafts artist, William Morris. Level 3
Fashion Collection: See 5 centuries of fashion (dresses, suits, shoes, hats, and bags). Level 1
Ice Blue and Spring Green Chandelier: A magnificent Dale Chilhuly glass sculpture by the dome entry. Level 0
Ceramic Gallery: Includes 2,500 years of ceramic (vases, plates, teapots) from across the world. Level 4
Great Bed of Ware: This four-post bed held up to four couples at an inn in Hertfordshire. Level 1
VAM RESTAURANTS & GIFTSHOP
Good news! The Victoria and Albert Museum has great restaurants to choose from. For outside dining, go to the Garden or Courtyard Café.
To feel as if you are there for lunch with Victoria and Albert, try the Morris, Gamble, or Poynter dining rooms. The ornate cafés are decorated with columns, arches, stained glass, and tile fit for royalty (or at least the upper classes). For an afternoon tea experience, look into the tea at the William Morris Room on Fridays in the afternoon.
Before leaving the VAM, take a stroll through the expansive gift shop. It’s a great place to shop for gifts for home with items that are appropriate for children and adults. Many of the jewelry, print, ceramic, and textiles on sale are related to the items in the museum.
We hope you get to spend some time enjoying the funny, funky, stunning VAM, Laura and Randy
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You suggest so many fun things to see and do!!! Thank you!