Attraction
British Museum
Britain's great museum of world history and culture in Bloomsbury, with free entry to a permanent collection spanning two million years of human civilisation.
Victoria and Albert Museum
The V&A in South Kensington is a free museum of art, design and performance, covering fashion, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery and more.
At a glance
- Type
- Art and design museum
- Area
- South Kensington, London, United Kingdom
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- vam.ac.uk
- Last checked
- October 23, 2026
Good to know
- Free entry
- Late opening Fridays
- Shop
- Café
Why we recommend it
The Victoria and Albert Museum, usually called the V&A, is devoted to art and design across 5,000 years, with galleries of fashion, furniture, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, textiles and architecture. Entry is free, and the sheer variety means there is something for almost every interest.
Highlights include the cast courts, the jewellery gallery and the fashion displays, but pick a handful of rooms rather than trying to see it all. The garden courtyard and the museum café are pleasant places to pause. On Fridays the museum stays open until 22:00, although some galleries close earlier. Galleries begin clearing half an hour before closing. South Kensington station is a short walk, and the Natural History Museum is across Exhibition Road.
Reviewed by Lifestylemetro · Details checked October 23, 2026
Victoria and Albert Museum FAQs
Is the V&A free?
Yes, general entry is free; some exhibitions and events are charged separately.
Does the V&A open late?
Yes, on Fridays until 22:00, though some galleries close after 17:45.