London, United Kingdom

Summary of Victoria and Albert Museum

photo by gusto

Victoria and Albert Museum

Cromwell Road at Exhibition Road
London, United Kingdom SW7 2RL
44 20 7942 2000

www.vam.ac.uk

The Victoria & Albert Museum has always been the “trendy” museum of the great three in Kensington (the other two being the Natural History and the Science museums.) Dedicated to the celebration of art and design, this Victorian red brick building hides an incredible range of exhibits, covering architecture, British Design from 1500 to 1900, ceramics, glass, fashion and metalwork – plus painting and sculpture. For all that gleams rather than glitters, head for the impressive Silver gallery, which houses the largest public collection of English silver in the world. For more bling, visit the Fashion, Jewelry and Accessories collection, including dresses dating from the 17th century right up to 1960s design classics by the likes of Mary Quant and Yves Saint Laurent. Architecture fans are well served, and the V&A’s Henry Cole Wing even houses the complete 1935 Kaufmann office designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The V&A is also home to some of the most muscle-bound sculptures in Europe, celebrations of the human form that ripple and writhe in bronze and stone. It’s virtually impossible to see the V&A in a day, so don’t even try. Pick what you fancy seeing, explore and then wander for a while. When the need for fresh air strikes you again, simply head for the Garden café in the courtyard, and enjoy a menu that is fresh and innovative. You can always come back and browse the collections again until 10 p.m. on any Wednesday night and every last Friday of the month. Entry to the general collection is free, while charges apply for special exhibitions.

Reviews

My Favorite Museum in London

Reviewed by wendib2 on August 31, 2007

wendib2's rating:

"By far my favorite museum in London because it's SO MUCH FUN! Beautiful art, gorgeous clothes, furniture, design...you can spend an entire day and not get to look enough. The cafe is the perfect place to sit, rest, and enjoy a light meal. The museum is also right off of the tube (via an underground tunnel) so it's extremely easy to get to."

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Love it!

Reviewed by m8888888 on February 14, 2007

m8888888's rating:

"This is my absolute most favorite museum in the world! The first time I was in London, I came here two days in a row! They have such a huge collection- everything from jewelry and textiles to Chinese and Japanese art. My favorite parts are the furniture and the clothing. The building is beautiful, with a huge entryway with a great glass sculpture hanging from the ceiling, and there are beautiful wallpapers and columns in the building, with a pond n the courtyard. The giftshop is great, selling tons of postcards and books, and stuff by some of the artists displayed. This is a huge museum, so be sure to give yourself time to see it all! Most of it is free, except for the temporary exhibits- but they’re usually worth it! Definitely go here! You’ll love it!"

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Victoria and Albert Museum review

Reviewed by foodie on July 28, 2005

foodie's rating:

"Whether I’m redecorating my home office or wielding a glue gun in jewelry-making class, I’m always on the lookout for artistic inspiration. The V&A, as it’s popularly called, was the creative climax of my London trip. For starters, it boasts the largest collection of applied arts in the world, with entire galleries on Chinese, Islamic and Japanese art, not to mention dazzling displays of glassware and costume jewelry. Wandering through the V&A’s vast maze of hallways and galleries is like globe-trotting through the centuries, with ancient Chinese scrolls in one room, and modern Scandinavian furniture in another. Don’t miss the temporary shows, which have earned a reputation as among the most daring in the U.K."

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