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IndoorsFree entry

V&A South Kensington

London
Courtesy of V&A South Kensington

ENTRY

Free

SETTING

Indoors

WHERE

London

What it’s like

Free design museum in South Kensington - fashion, courtyard picnic and rainy-day galleries.

The V&A is the South Kensington design museum when you want free galleries and a courtyard break without Soft Play. Fashion, furniture and the Imagine / Play galleries keep mixed ages moving.

Soft Play is N - Play Gallery is museum play, not a soft-play centre. Free general admission; paid special exhibitions separately.

Daily 10:00-17:45 (Fridays later). South Kensington tube is the easy walk.

What’s on here

Facilities

Accessible toilet
Baby change
Café
Gift shop
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible
Picnic area
Pram storage
Public transport nearby

Plan your visit

How much does V&A South Kensington cost?

It's free to get in. Some extras are priced; the full list is on this page.

Can we eat there?

Yes, there's a café, and there's a picnic area if you'd rather bring your own.

Is it OK with a baby or toddler in tow?

Yes, there's baby change and pram storage.

How accessible is it?

The venue lists wheelchair access and an accessible toilet.

What if it rains?

You're covered, it's indoors.

How do we find it?

Nearest underground stations: South Kensington (5-minute walk), Gloucester Road (10-minute walk). Step-free: Knightsbridge (14-minute walk). Victoria Station (35-minute walk). Bike-hire available at Exhibition Road and Thurloe Place. Several bus routes stop at V&A South Kensington. Find parking or Blue Badge parking nearby.

Experiences

  • Conservation Overlook

    indoors

    On level 3 of V&A East Storehouse, visitors can watch conservators at work in the conservation studio via a glass overlook balcony and live feed screen.

  • David Bowie Centre

    indoors

    Permanent home for David Bowie's archive at the Study Centre, V&A East Storehouse. Now open, £5.00.

  • Object Encounters

    indoors

    Free group sessions highlighting different objects in V&A East Storehouse, running multiple times a day; sign up at the Study Centre on level 2.

  • Order an Object

    indoors

    Free appointment-based experience at V&A East Storehouse allowing visitors to see any object on site up close, booked at least two weeks in advance.

Areas to explore

  • Design Gallery

    indoors

    One of three galleries at Young V&A.

  • Imagine Gallery

    indoors

    One of three galleries at Young V&A.

  • John Madejski Garden

    outdoors

    Garden at V&A South Kensington open 10.00-17.00 daily, with a pond for paddling (children must be accompanied by an adult, fully clothed).

  • Mini Displays

    indoors

    Curated mini displays across all three levels of V&A East Storehouse; visitors can scan QR codes to find out more about objects.

  • Play Gallery

    indoors

    One of three galleries at Young V&A.

  • Weston Collections Hall

    indoors

    Central hall of V&A East Storehouse spread across three floors, over 20 metres high, with a section of glass flooring looking down to the Agra Colonnade and working store below.

Also on site

  • Reading Room

    indoors

    Calming environment at Young V&A on the lower ground floor for prayer, reading, breastfeeding or a break from sensory stimulation. First-come, first-served.

  • The Study Centre

    indoors

    Access to objects and items in storage at V&A East Storehouse, including four study areas such as the Clothworkers' Centre for the Study and Conservation of Textiles and Fashion.

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