London (United Kingdom)

Victoria & Albert Museum

The V&A is the world’s leading museum of art and design, housing a permanent collection of over 2.3 million objects that span over 5,000 years of human creativity. The Museum holds many of the UK's national collections and houses some of the greatest resources for the study of architecture, furniture, fashion, textiles, photography, sculpture, painting, jewellery, glass, ceramics, book arts, Asian art and design, theatre and performance. This history of the V&A is a story like no other. From its early beginnings as a Museum of Manufactures in 1852, to the foundation stone laid by Queen Victoria in 1899, to today's state-of-the-art galleries, the Museum has constantly evolved in its collecting and public interpretation of art and design. Its collections span over 5,000 years of human creativity in virtually every medium, housed in one of the finest groups of Victorian and modern buildings in Britain. Our mission is to be recognised as the world's leading museum of art, design and performance, and to enrich people's lives by promoting research, knowledge and enjoyment of the designed world to the widest possible audience. We strive to make the V&A matter to more people and in that context we work to the following six strategic objectives: To create a world class visitor and learning experience across all V&A sites and collections. Focus and deepen the relevance of our collections to the UK creative and knowledge economy. Expand the V&A's international reach, reputation and impact. To operate with financial and organisational initiative and efficiency. Showcase the best of digital design, and deliver an outstanding digital experience. Diversify and increase private and commercial funding sources.
V&A Museum, patio

Access preferences

General Accessibility in the Museum (Accessible entrance for pushchairs and wheelchairs)

We hope that everyone who visits the V&A enjoys their experience. Visitors who require additional assistance can either speak to a member of staff when they arrive at the Museum or book in advance.

For assistance during your visit, please contact:
Contact Centre
Tel: 0207 9422 000
Email: disability@vam.ac.uk

Assistance Dogs

The V&A understands that some visitors to the Museum will require the support of an assistance dog and we are happy to admit appropriately trained assistance dogs into the Museum. Assistance dogs registered with Assistance Dogs International (ADI), Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) are always welcome if visitors can show Museum staff an appropriate ID book.

If your assistance dog is not registered with ADI, ADUK or IGDF please contact us in advance of your planned visit with documentary evidence confirming that your dog has been trained as an assistance dog by a recognised trainer.

Getting there

The Cromwell Road and Exhibition Road entrances are both step-free. At the Cromwell Road entrance, a wheelchair accessible door is located between the revolving doors. At the Exhibition Road entrance, an automatic opening door is located at the bottom of the ramp. The Tunnel entrance from South Kensington underground station is not wheelchair accessible.

Blue Badge Parking

There are twelve blue badge parking spaces on Exhibition Road managed by the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. For more information visit Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea parking

Visitors with Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia (Easy Read & Understanding)

Guiding service

If you require a guide to assist you around the building, please book in advance.
Unfortunately, assistance cannot be guaranteed to visitors who do not book in advance.

Tel: 020 7942 2000
Email: disability@vam.ac.uk

Scanning pens

Text to speech scanners are available from the information desks. These hand-held scanners can be used to read and then speak aloud gallery guide or object label text around the Museum. View a step-by-step guide on how to use the scanning pen.

Assistive technologies

Our Study Rooms provide free access to Windows computers. Settings can be adapted to suit needs in the ‘Ease of Access Centre’ accessed via the Control Panel.

National Art Library
Prints & Drawings Study Room

Ear defenders for children

We have two child sized ear defenders available for use at the Sackler Centre reception desk. No need to book.

Visitors with a hearing impairment (Multisensory Experiences)

Induction loops

You will need to switch your hearing aid to the 'T' position. Induction loops are available in the following areas:

Information desks
Lecture theatre and seminar rooms
Retail points

Sound enhancement equipment

Neck loops and radio receivers for use on talks and tours are available from the information desk in the Grand Entrance.

Talks programme

There are regular talks for deaf and hard of hearing people in British Sign Language or with live subtitles. For a full programme of events visit What's On.

Subtitled videos

A selection of videos within the galleries include subtitles. The museum is working to subtitle all videos in galleries and exhibitions.

Visitors with a visual impairment (Multisensory Experiences)

Guiding service

If you require a guide to assist you around the building, please book in advance. Unfortunately, assistance cannot be guaranteed to visitors who do not book in advance.

Tel: 020 7942 2000
Email: disability@vam.ac.uk

Large print labels

Large print label books are available in the galleries.

Tactile books are available in the following galleries:

RIBA Architecture
Jameel Gallery of Islamic Art
Medieval & Renaissance
Photographs
Sacred Silver & Stained Glass

Assistive technologies

Our Study Rooms provide free access to Windows computers and settings can be adapted to suit needs.

National Art Library
Prints & Drawings Study Room

Magnification Systems (CCTV) are available in:

National Art Library
Prints & Drawings Study Room

For a guide on how to access the Study Rooms, please visit Study Room Services for People with Disabilities.

Talks programme

There are regular talks for visually impaired people, some of which provide an opportunity for handling objects. For a full programme of specialist events visit What's On

The V&A Story

Audio descriptions of historic locations in the Museum are available for blind and partially sighted visitors to listen to online at home or during a visit to the V&A.

Furniture Gallery audio descriptions

A Furniture Gallery overview and touch object audio descriptions are available for blind and partially sighted visitors to listen to online or download in advance of visiting the Furniture Gallery, Rooms 133-135.

Touch Tour audios

The Touch Tour playlist describes a range of touch objects available in the Museum. To locate the objects, please refer to the room numbers on the museum map available from the Museum information desk in the Grand Entrance.

Europe 1600 – 1815 in-gallery audio guide

Get the most out of your visit to the Europe 1600-1815 galleries with our new, free audio guide.

Family Art Fun Sensory Backpack

Discover curious ceramic objects from China to the Netherlands, learn how they were made and how ideas and materials travelled the world to reach Europe. This backpack is designed for children with visual impairments, but can be enjoyed by any family.

Visitors with mobility impairements (Complementary Offer)

Guiding service

If you require a guide to assist you around the building, please book in advance.
Unfortunately, assistance cannot be guaranteed to visitors who do not book in advance.

Tel: 020 7942 2000
Email: disability@vam.ac.uk

Mobility aids

Wheelchairs and walking frames are available at the information desk in the Grand Entrance.

Stools are available in a range of galleries, please ask a member of staff for assistance.

Email: disability@vam.ac.uk

Accessible toilets

To find where our 13 accessible toilets are in the Museum please go to our Visit page.

Contact info

Victoria & Albert Museum,
Cromwell Rd,
SW7 2R London, United Kingdom.
+44 20 7942 2000
hello@vam.ac.uk
https://www.vam.ac.uk