Website: https://www.vam.ac.uk/
Charity #: –
Royal Patron:
- Princess Kate* (March 2018 – Present)
Description
The Victoria & Albert Museum is one of the world’s largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts and design. It houses a permanent collection of over 2.3 million objects and the collection spans over 5,000 years of art. The Museum is free to the public and open 7 days a week.
History
In 1951, Prince Albert created “The Great Exhibition,” the first-ever international exhibition of manufactured products. Profits from the exhibition were used to create “The Museum of Manufactures.” The museum was located in Marlborough House, but quickly out grew the location. The Museum moved to it’s current location and was renamed the South Kensington Museum.
In 1899, Queen Victoria laid the cornerstone of the new Aston Webb building of the museum. This was her last official public appearance before her death.
In honor of Queen Victoria & Prince Albert’s years of support, the museum was later renamed The Victoria & Albert Museum.
Locations
The V&A museum has several branches.
V&A South Kensington
V&A South Kensington is the main branch of the V&A Museum. It is located in South Kensington, London, England.
Photo: ©Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Young V&A
The Young V&A branch focuses on childhood related objects. Names:
- Bethnal Green Museum (1872-1974)
- V&A Museum of Childhood (1974-2023)
- Young V&A (2023-Present)
The museum was renovated & re-branding from 2020-2023. Princess Kate* re-opened the renovated The Young V&A in 2023
Photo: (C) Victoria and Albert Museum, London
V&A Wedgwood Collection
Photo: (C) Victoria and Albert Museum
The V&A Wedgwood collection is as part of the World of Wedgwood tourist destination in Stoke-on-Trent.
The V&A Wedgwood Collection is a unique ceramics collection exploring three centuries of evolving tastes, changing fashions and manufacturing innovation.
V&A Dundee
Photo: V&A Dundee ©Hufton+Crow
The V&A Dundee was the V&A’s first location outside of London. The museum is located in Dundee, Scotland. The Museum was opened in September 2018. Prince William & Princess Kate* (Then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, officially opened the museum in January 2019.
V&A East Storehouse
Opened in 2025.
“Makers and Creators” Display
Princess Kate* curated a display of 9 objects for the at V&A East Storehouse. The collection was titled Makers and Creators and was available from July 2025-Early 2026.
Photo by David Parry for the V&A.
V&A East Museum
Opening in April 2026.
