Victoria and Albert Museum

Victoria and Albert Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), affectionately nicknamed V&A by Londoners, was founded in 1852 and is the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design, as well as one of the most vibrant and imaginative museums in London. Boasting the world’s most extensive collections of decorative arts and British sculpture, its rich and diverse exhibits are truly overwhelming—from fashion trends from the 17th century to the present, colorful stained glass pieces, to medieval treasures—it offers far more than your average art experience.

The museum’s exhibition spaces span four floors. The ground floor houses historical artifacts from Islamic, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cultures. It holds the largest collection of Indian art outside India, as well as significant collections of Chinese and Japanese artifacts. Korean relics date back as early as 300 AD. The Dress Collection is also fascinating, showcasing everything from corsets and crinoline dresses to modern fashion; from early 17th-century lace-trimmed hats to 19th-century extravagant lace bonnets. All fashion accessories and trends are displayed with actual items providing comprehensive insight into their evolution.

The museum is also home to the world’s second-largest collection of Renaissance sculptures outside Italy. Among its highlights is a stunning 16th-century marble group statue of Neptune and the Greek sea god Triton; as well as tapestries designed by the master Raphael for the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican—tapestry pieces that were once part of the royal collection and are now exhibited here as prized masterpieces.

Recently, the Victoria and Albert Museum has opened 15 new galleries, two of which are particularly unique: the British Galleries—which cover most of Britain’s design history from 1200 to 1900, featuring over 3,000 works by top British designers from Chippendale to Morris. Don’t miss the 1697 Melville Bed, standing 5 meters tall and dressed with luxurious silk hangings and red velvet drapes. Another must-see is the intriguing Fakes and Forgeries gallery, where you can witness near-flawless counterfeit works and test your own eye in distinguishing the real from the fake.

Address: Cromwell Road, South Kensington

Admission: Free (some special exhibitions may charge)

Opening Hours: Thursday–Tuesday: 10:00–17:45; Wednesday and the last Friday of each month: 10:00–22:00

Transport: Buses C1, 14, 74 to Cromwell Road; Tube to South Kensington Station