V&A - Victoria and Albert Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor
V&A - Victoria and Albert Museum

V&A - Victoria and Albert Museum

V&A - Victoria and Albert Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:45 PM
About
The world's greatest museum of art and design.The V&A's collections are unrivalled in their diversity. Explore historical and contemporary art and design, including works of art from many of the world's richest cultures. Admission free.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Knightsbridge
When millions of tourists want to shop 'til they drop, they do it along Brompton Road and its boutique-lined tributaries, including the world-renowned Harrods. And when millionaires want to flaunt what they've already got, many of them find Knightsbridge and Belgravia the perfect place to do so, often behind stately mansion walls or down quiet private mews. Delve beyond the ultra-luxe exterior and you'll find some of this city's cosiest pubs, quiet gardens, and all sorts of indie retailers and enterprises worth a short exercise in spontaneous window shopping. For those looking to take a break from shopping, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, and some of the city's most popular museums are nearby.
How to get there
  • Gloucester Road • 10 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • Alastair J
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    #KWaveLondon
    The main purpose was to visit the Hallyu (Korean Wave) Exhgibition and attend the introductory symposium talk. As an established fan of the K Drama genre, I found the exhibition to be a delightful and very carefully curated collection of material that vividly presents historical and contemporary cultural material from and of this very remarkable country. For really up to date examples of Hallyu in action, then YouTube and Netflix are readily available. However, the exhibition takes just a few of these examples and places them in a considerably larger context than entertainment and fashion by itself. I loved the experience and would recommend it highly to anyone, of any age, who is a fan of Korean pop, drama, fashion, or history. Only a few weeks left.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 5 June 2023
  • Parker C
    Novato, California158 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must visit when in London
    I have been on previous trips but never wrote a review. In addition to an eclectic and amazing collection that spans cultures and artistic genres, on this trip we saw a special exhibition of Donatello. I have also been to Florence so familiar with his work, but there were pieces that I'd never seen. It was an excellent exhibition that included work of his peers as well as a stylistic resurgence in the 19th century. It was worth the visit.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 6 June 2023
  • pfefmeister
    San Francisco, California4,166 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Best Museum
    We were staying close by, so had the opportunity to visit three times, each visit for an hour or so. We thought this to be the most interesting tourist attraction in London, with intriguing displays of - just about everything! If you have to pick one museum, this should be your first choice, and plan on 2-3 hours if only visiting once.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 13 June 2023
  • Julie W
    Chevy Chase, Maryland6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A less crowded gem.
    We explored the extensive jewelry exhibit, which was a revelation of craftsmanship and artistry from as long ago as 3000 bc. The goldwork was remarkable and we were astonished by the fine platinum pieces. Separately, there is a fine ironwork collection. There is also a central outdoor area where people refreshed themselves.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 June 2023
  • Karen534
    Vancouver, Canada60 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Really great tour with a volunteer
    We didn't know what to expect and had only planned for two hours. Definitely needed more time than that. Especially We appreciated that a volunteer let us know that a one hour tour was starting shortly with another volunteer. Our guide was very knowledgeable and passionate (I think his name is Graham) about the exhibits. We learned so much. The jewelry exhibits deserve at least an hour. Thank you for a wonderful experience
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 18 June 2023
  • ShugrGrl55
    Orange County, California2,170 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Favorite museum in London
    This was the best museum we visited in London. The range of different types of items available to see here was excellent. Ranging from sculptures, relics, fashion, cartoons, jewelry, silver, and so much more. We visited on a Friday, where the museum stays open later than other days, until 10pm. Sadly, when we were arriving at the jewelry section (one we were looking forward to the most) around 5pm, the staff was closing it up, and we were not allowed to enter. I don't know if this is always the case on Fridays, but definitely something to be mindful of if this is an area that is a priority for you.
    Visited April 2023
    Written 24 June 2023
  • Christine R
    Massachusetts159 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing!
    We visited here in mid May and arrived right at opening, which was a great decision. We were able to explore the museum at our leisure, barely seeing other visitors during the hour and a half or so we were there. They had some really fascinating reproductions made by creating molds of the originals or similar processes.
    Visited May 2023
    Written 24 June 2023
  • Tamsin F
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely Incredible!
    Absolutely incredible experience. My daughter and I arrived a few minutes before it opened. There was a queue which very swiftly moved inside. We hadn't been before, but naturally found ourselves taking an immediate left down to the level which had renaissance and religious artefacts. Almost immediately a lovely chap - older gentleman - who worked there came to talk to us. He was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. He advised us that it gets hot and busy on the higher levels and that we should go and see the jewellery section early. However before we wandered off to do that, he pulled out a drawer and said, you don't want to miss seeing these sketches by Rembrandt! We were mind blown by the V&A. I had always wanted to go and it certainly exceeded my expectations. Every member of staff was helpful and enthusiastic in giving us directions. We loved every moment, and everything we saw. A huge thank you to the V&A.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 24 June 2023
  • sandgroper12391
    Perth, Australia323 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not to be missed for museum lovers, amazing variety of exhibitions
    Exceptional museum to spend a few hours, with free entry it is a great activity for affordable London. The architecture of the museum is a delight and each time I have been I have discovered a different display or area to gaze at. This time it was the Rodin pieces and another visit to the Cast Courts, totally a favourite to look at these reproductions of wonders from history - made in the late 1800s. Sadly for us, the DIVA exhibition was sold out, the display in the shop certainly suggested it would be a great paid exhibition to visit.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 25 June 2023
  • Venetia C
    88 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Brilliant museum, especially for fashion. Always a pleasure to visit. Loved the Diva exhibition.
    I went to see the new Diva exhibition at the V and A on 24th June, it had just opened. It wasn't that busy I didn't have to queue up. It was an amazing exhibition, iouas great to see all the costumes of Adele, Tina Turner, Cher, Shirley Bassey etc You can take photos and you have a headset that is interactive with the exhibition and plays the music of the artist that you are standing in front of, eg Whitney Houston 'I will always love you' In the first part of the exhibition before you go upstairs, they have Marilyn Manroe's costume from 'Some Like it Hot' and Judy Garland's costume and there is a large screen which you can stand in front of watch clips of the films that they are from. I could have stayed longer it was interesting seeing all the costumes close up. The museum itself is beautiful and has lots of great other exhibitions. The courtyard is lovely to sit and have a coffee and a bite to eat, whilst watching the children play in the pool in the summer. Also the cafe in the museum is in a wonderful setting and great food. The staff are all happy and friendly. Toilets are really modern and plentiful and accessible. Always a pleasure to visit this museum.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 26 June 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles32,922 reviews
Excellent
24,157
Very good
6,733
Average
1,485
Poor
352
Terrible
196

Caw20
London, UK467 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 • Couples
Visited the Elton John photo exhibition. Wow there are some amazing photos on display. Some world famous classics. It’s an opportunity not to miss. Well done to the display team. Beautifully presented
Written 4 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

anna t
Richmond-upon-Thames, UK4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Family
We had a wonderful time, the exhibits are great, the kids loved it but got very tired after about an hour, because it is a huge museum. The staff could have been more engaging with our kids, like if they could have just played along and been enthusiastic and helped them to learn from the exhibitions instead of just standing there.
Written 31 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RoyaltyC
Calgary, Canada404 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Solo
from South Kensington Station is an indoor walk. The Museum got a huge collection of artefacts from Egypt to arts and weapons from Europe, Japan and South Asia. There were lots of ceramic and porcelain pieces from Britain, Japan, Iran, France, Italy and China. I had a chicken mushroom pie which comes with 2 types of salad and an orange juice for 20 GBP. Food was good and there were clean tables. The museum also got lots of cabinets, furniture and statues from Britain and Europe. Also there was some fashion exhibits. What a nice time I had. Will return.
Written 30 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

PilbaraPrincess
Mandurah, Australia60 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Solo
Spent a few hours at the V&A happily wandering, taking in the displays. I only saw a portion of the museum and hope to return one day to see some more and revisit some of the displays I saw this time.
Highly recommend.
Written 28 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jeff K
Aurora, CO293 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Couples
This a huge and daunting museum that includes things that do not fit in any other museum. It is a difficult place to navigate.
With that said it has oodles of cool stuff that is very well presented. You need to pick your areas.
We were disappointed as the Fashion area was closed for remodeling - they got to do it, but still it was a bummer.
Written 26 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Meander822345
24 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Couples
Cavernous museum filled with interesting collections. Definitely would dedicate a few hours there. public facilities are clean and user friendly
Written 26 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

accidentaltrvlr
Southern California56 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Couples
Two outstanding things: (1) stays open until 10 pm on Fridays (although some galleries close at 5:45 pm), and (2) the Cast Courts have huge reproductions of monuments and sculptures from around the world -- everything from Michelangelo’s David, to the 120' tall Trajan’s Column (cut into two 60' tall pieces), the entire front of the cathedral at Santiago de Compostela, to mummy casks. Also, it tends not to be nearly as crowded as the other museums. Yes, it is free and does not require you to get tickets beforehand. There are other interesting galleries. One thing not to miss is the cafe -- which is London's best museum cafe. Don't be fooled by the host area who's white wall hides the magnificent dining room. There is also the option of having a drink and something to eat in the John Madejski Garden, which is pleasant on a warm evening.
Written 21 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Connie S
Edmonton, Canada71 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Family
My first and best choice of Museums in London. You can see the influence of Victoria and Albert and their divine style everywhere. We were short on time or would have stayed all day! We shared a delicious ham and cheese sub bun and ate it outside viewing the green grass and the pond. I can't go with out mentioning the gift shop which was amazing and very affordable. I bought and wore almost every day a tiny porcelan cup and saucer pair of earrings I bought there!
Written 19 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

James C
29 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Couples
Tropical modernism exhibition.
A must especially for all those anti slavery demonstrators. You will be amazed at what we did in Africa particularly Ghana and India.
Written 17 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jan M
Canvey, null, United Kingdom32 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Friends
Great restaurant amazing ambiance very extensive range of food well presented very clean easy access and helpful staff
Written 14 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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V&A - Victoria and Albert Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

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