Free general admission – paid exhibitions
Seven days a week
Must-visit
What it is
Museum tags: Art; Ceramics and craft; Design; Ethnographic and world cultures; Fashion and textiles; Religion and faith; Social history
One of London’s greatest museums, and possibly its most eclectic. Amogng the world’s largest and best collections of art, design and culture, with more than 100 galleries showcasing everything from photography, to Raphael’s cartoons, ancient Buddhist sculpture and Islamic carpets, alongside modern design and fashion.
Designed by the Victorians, its setting is just as jawdropping as the artefacts; the first ever museum cafe, designed by William Morris and co, and a gorgeous courtyard. The real highlight is Cast Courts, with casts of some of the most famous art works from world history – the Statue of David, Trajan’s Column (accommodated by the hall’s 25 metre high ceiling!). A jaw dropping display.
Also has a reputation for cutting edge and high quality temporary exhibitions, recently on everything from the Korean ‘wave’ of culture; African fashion; and divas.
The museum is huge, and ridiculously wide-ranging, so there’s something for everyone. But there are two spots I always try and make time for and I highly recommend you don’t miss.
The first is Cast Courts – with huge, tall ceilings to accommodate casts of some of the world’s most famous sculptures and the hulking Trajan’s Column. Originally, the courts gave Londoners without the means to travel a way to see world famous art works, like Michelangelo’s Statue of David. Walk among the casts at ground level, then head upstairs to view casts of some of humanity’s greatest sculptural achievements from above.
The other spot is the V&A cafe, the world’s oldest museum cafe, designed by William Morris & co, which holds its own against anything in the museum’s collection.
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