Free entry London museums — the V&A Museum
When first-time visitors ask what they should see in London, I never fail to mention the museums. Not only are many of them free entry, but they also hold a fascinating cradle of knowledge.
London’s a cultural capital, and the museums well document national and international history throughout the ages. They’re a popular stop on the sightseeing circuit, and one that won’t disappoint.
Even if you’re not a regular patron, visiting the Victoria and Albert (V&A) museum is something that everyone will enjoy.
10 good reasons to visit the V&A — free entry London museums
1. Its remarkable history
The museum’s named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert — the head of the Royal Family at the time. Museum director, inventor Henry Cole, was responsible for organizing the Great Exhibition of 1851.
This international exhibition of culture and industry included items from the museum, after which he would open the ‘Museum of Manufactures’ in 1852.
2. Its location
The nearest tube station to reach the V&A is South Kensington. It’s around a 5-minute walk, and you can follow the signs to reach the museum.
South Kensington’s known as the museum district of London, given the 2 other big museums nearby. These are the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum.
Other notable things to know about the area, is that it’s within walking distance of department store Harrods. So, if you’ve time to shop after, and have expensive taste, you’re in the right area.
3. Free entry
While it’s safe to say that London’s expensive for many things, the same doesn’t apply to the museums. All museums are free to enter in the UK capital, but you do have to pay to see specific exhibitions.
It’s the perfect way to learn something new about different civilizations throughout history, and at no cost too. What’s more, the museum has free WiFi, which is always helpful while traveling.
That said, there’s no excuse not to visit the inspiring V&A Museum. If entering from the Cromwell Road entrance, you’ll be moonstruck the second you enter its magnificent lobby.
4. It’s the world’s largest museum…
…of decorative arts and design. Leave the high heels behind, as there’s a lot of ground to cover.
The museum’s home to a permanent collection of over 2.3 million objects, and covers 5,000 years of art. Inside its 145 galleries are different sections that include art and artifacts from Europe, Asia, Africa and North America.
5. John Madjeski Garden
One of the highlights during my visit to the V&A Museum was the serene John Madjeski Garden. Photos of the area don’t do it justice, and once outside, you need a few minutes to take it all in.
A place to relax — free entry London museums
It’s the perfect blend of traditional meeting modern design. An elliptical water feature takes center stage, with steps around the edge, visitors are more than welcome to sit on.
When the sun’s out, the garden’s even more stunning, and the steps are a good spot for a summer picnic.
The garden also hosts temporary exhibitions, and has a picturesque garden café overlooking the green space.
“Spread over 2 large rooms, they feature a remarkable display of sculptures, friezes and tombs.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
“If entering from the Cromwell Road entrance, you’ll be moonstruck the second you enter its magnificent lobby.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
“…there’s no better feeling than walking into a room full of reading material. It’s even more of a bonus when the surroundings are grandiose and achingly beautiful.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
6. Different types of art and industry under one roof
Within its 12.5 acres of land mass is everything artistic and cultural you can think of. This includes textiles, silver, ironwork, costumes, sculptures and medieval objects.
It’ll come as little surprise then, that the V&A has the largest and most comprehensive collection in the world.
7. Impressive titles
For fans of post-classical sculptures, the V&A boasts the world’s largest collection. It also holds the impressive title of housing the largest Islamic art set in the west, with over 19,000 items.
Here you’ll see everything from Persian rugs and carpets, to calligraphy, all ranging from the 7 to the 20th century.
Stop and admire — free entry London museums
One area sure to make you stop and pay attention, are the cast courts in the sculpture wing. Spread over 2 large rooms, they feature a remarkable display of sculptures, friezes and tombs.
You’ll find reproductions of Italian Renaissance pieces, such as a full-size replica of Michelangelo’s David.
8. Jaw-dropping areas in the museum
I was speechless the second I walked into the European galleries. The section opened in December 2015 and houses European art from 1600 to 1815.
The dimly lit grand hall feels like walking into a completely different building. High ceilings, wide spaces, and with ginormous canvas’ displayed on its walls.
The area also features furniture of the period. Look out for the striking German writing cabinet from the 16th century, and a French court suit from the 17th century.
9. The National Art Library
As an all-round bookworm, there’s no better feeling than walking into a room full of reading material. It’s even more of a bonus when the surroundings are grandiose and achingly beautiful.
It’s free to enter the National Art Library, but you do need to join to access its collections and services. Also, you can’t bring any bags into the library (for obvious reasons), so leave anything in the cloakroom.
A place to read — free entry London museums
From the oak double-doors at the entrance to the perfect symmetry of the library, it’s a really inspiring space.
Inside are 3 large public reading rooms: the West Room, Centre Room and Reading Room. For anyone wishing to study, there are approximately 100 individual desks available.
Its greatest item is the Codex Forster: a set of 3 manuscripts, some that include notebooks from Leonardo da Vinci.
10. An excellent gift shop
When it comes to museum gift shops, in truth, I tend to walk the other way. I usually find the merchandise uninspiring and overpriced. However, this isn’t the case with the V&A.
I spent far too long in the shop checking out the merchandise, and even bought a few things.
From tote bags to stationery, jewellery to clothing, there are many things here that’ll catch your eye.
“An elliptical water feature takes centre stage, with steps around the edge, that visitors are more than welcome to sit on.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
I particularly like the range of prints and custom prints, and the prices are very reasonable too.
Where to stay near the V&A Museum
Given its excellent central London location, visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation.
For a quiet piece of luxury nearby, you may want to consider booking a few nights at the Berkeley Hotel.
Alternatively, the superb 5-star Flemings Mayfair hotel’s a great choice, and in a great neighborhood to match.
Where to eat near the V&A Museum
The V&A Museum just so happens to be across the road from the ‘most instagrammable café in London’.
Elan Café is known for its flower-themed wall, for being a ‘grammar’s heaven’ and for its colorful fare.
For something a bit more special however, round off your day with an exceptional afternoon tea at the Berkeley Hotel.
The Prêt-à-Portea is a fashionista foodie’s dream come true, in the form of cakes and cookies, rather than clothing itself.
Have you been to the V&A Museum? Did I entice you to visit on your next trip to London? Leave me a comment below, and share your thoughts.
Happy and safe travels till next time.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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This museum is really very mesmerizing and an art lover must visit these places.
Noted down both the places and when I will visit London, surely I will make a visit to them.
Thanks for sharing this post.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for dropping by 🙂
The last time we visited London we had no time to visit Museums. Can’t wait to revisit and visit all museums in London. I will definitely try to visit Albert Museum for sure. My husband is a big fan of Museums.
Then he’s sure to love the V&A! it’s really my favourite now 🙂
I am not a very museum person, but your post has convinced me why I should put Victoria and Albert Museum on my list. The sculptures, friezes and tombs section actually amazed me. I loved the reading room ambiance a lot. Great post.
Thank you! I’m not a big museum fan either, but this one is special, and worth visiting.
I feel a bit disappointed in myself having read this – I work in London 5 days a week, I’ve been to pretty much all of the museums going in London, but yet I’ve never visited the V&A! 🙁 It definitely looks like it’s worth a visit, the building itself is a work of art (and very Instagrammable!) x
It’s very instagrammable, in fact, I’m still uploading my photos right now! You must see it, it’s a beautiful place.
I didn’t know museums are free in London! As an art and design lover, the Victoria and Albert Museum is a must see! Given its size, it will probably take me the whole day to see the entire museum 😛
I think so! There’s really so many impressive sights to see. Hope you visit one day!