The Victoria and Albert Museum London

All photos Alex Harris

With a collection covering much of the last 2000 years, the Victoria and Albert Museum exhibits art and design in nearly every medium. Whether you are interested in the ancient world, fine art, fashion or design, there really is something for everyone. Regular special exhibits and new acquisitions ensure there is always something new to see. I have been a member of the Victoria and Albert Museum for a decade now, and I always enjoy my visits.

The Victoria and Albert Museum was established in 1852 to help to preserve the art and design of the period as well as to encourage new art and design. Following on from the success of The Great Exhibition the year before, its founders hoped to bring art to the people, educating the working classes and inspiring artists, designers and manufacturers.

There is literally something around every corner. Walking through a narrow corridor led us to the glass gallery which contains cabinet after cabinet of beautiful glass from throughout every era of recorded history. Even the staircase bannisters were made of glass.

One of my favourite sections is Fashion. The collection spans four centuries and it seems there’s always something new to see. From dresses worn by people like you and me throughout the ages to items from the collections of royalty and stars of stage and screen, the V&A has it all.

There’s are also stunning collections of art from just about every era you can imagine. This includes not only paintings but also sculpture, furniture and even buildings and monuments.

The V&A is a really relaxed, family friendly place to visit. Students and artists sit on the floor sketching and photography is welcomed in many of the galleries. Free tours are available daily and volunteer guides are happy to answer any questions you may have. It’s also accessible – open every day with late night opening until 10pm on Fridays.

I think the original founders of the V&A would be happy to see what it has become, a welcoming place still very true to their vision. As for me, this is somewhere I love to return again and again and I can’t recommend it highly enough. If you are planning on visiting London and time permits I urge you to include it in your itinerary.

The V&A is easy to get to from South Kensington tube station. A well lit, well signed underground tunnel leads you right to the entrance from the station. Entrance to the galleries is free, although donations are appreciated. There is a charge for special exhibitions.

This is not a sponsored post.