The V & A Museum in Kensington is one of London's and the UK's best loved museums, it was established in 1852 with the purpose of enabling everyone to enjoy the splendid collections and exhibitions that Britain has to offer.

Over the past 150 years the V&A's collection has grown to become an encyclopaedic resource of costume, fashion, jewellery, furniture, art and sculpture, the collection is of national importance therefore a board of Prime Ministerial appointed trustees governs the museum.

The V & A is vast it houses permanent collections of everything be it architecture, ceramics, fashion, furniture, metalwork, glass, objects from Asia, books, paintings, you name it...whatever you are interested in you will find it on display at this amazing museum.

The only problem with the V&A is it's size, there is so much to see, it is literally impossible to fit it all into just one visit so pick what you want to see and see it properly!

As with many of London's museums there are always new exhibitions taking place at the V&A for short and extended periods of time. Some events to charge an admission fee but the majority are free. The museum also organises events and courses for families, children, teenagers and adults you can find out more about these exhibitions, events and activities in the various relevant sections of Londonisfree.com.

The Museum is open every days of the year excepting December 24, 25 and 26. The main collections are open from 10am till 5.45pm Saturday to Monday; opening times for Fridays are 10am till 10pm with some galleries remaining open after 6pm.

Other sections of the museum such as the National Art Library and Textile Study Rooms have more restricted opening hours; other sections such as the Blythe House Archive and Library Reading Room are accessible by appointment only. Find out more detailed information on opening times.

Find out more about the V&A, its history, collections and future exhibitions click here.

How to get there

The closest tube station to the V & A is at South Kensington. If travelling by bus the C1, 14, 74 and 414 stop outside the Cromwell Street entrance.

Image by Morley von Sternberg 2005