The Victoria and Albert Museum (or V & A as everyone calls it) was originally founded in 1852 to inspire and educate British designers and manufacturers. Today it houses over 4 million items spanning centuries and hundreds of cultures. The stunning collection covers European, Indian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Islamic artefacts ranging from ceramics, glass, metalwork and sculpture to costume, armour, weaponry and furniture. Among the museum's highlights are the dress collection which spans the 17th century to present day haute-couture; and the four-poster, Jacobean Great Bed of Ware, immortalized by Shakespeare in 'Twelfth Night'. Galleries and facilities within the museum include the Theatre & Performance Galleries, the Sackler Centre for Arts Education and the Medieval and Renaissance Galleries (open 2nd December 2009). In addition, the British Galleries showcase British art and design from 1500 to 1900, and visitors can see the first-ever English fork made in 1632, and learn how women in extravagant hooped skirts climbed in and out of carriages... gracefully. Temporary exhibitons range from dresses worn by Kylie to the Magnificence of the Tsars testify to the wide ranging appeal of the V & A. The building itself - a mix of Victorian and Edwardian design - also presents a truly formidable display. The two halls (Cast Courts), in particular, form a major focal point for the gallery - with their high glass roof, elevated corridors and walkways.
Best for: James II's wedding suit, ceramics and sculpture, Morris to Macintosh.
4 minutes walk from Victoria and Albert (V & A) Museum
The Science Museum in South Kensington houses one of the most comprehensive collections looking at the development of science and industry, and it is all ... More
3 minutes walk from Victoria and Albert (V & A) Museum
Flamboyant, High Renaissance, Early Baroque Catholic church.
Built in 1884, in the Italianate Baroque style, the Brompton Oratory is an exact imitation of the Gesu Church ... More
8 minutes walk from Victoria and Albert (V & A) Museum
For the past two centuries this old-fashioned 'learned society' has sent explorers and adventurers all over the world. Famous names from Mungo Park to ...More
3 minutes walk from Victoria and Albert (V & A) Museum
Behind the rather splendid original period façade of NH Harrington Hall lies a new hotel with every modern convenience included. This 200-bedroom, fully air-conditioned hotel ... More
3 minutes walk from Victoria and Albert (V & A) Museum
Built in Edwardian times, the Rembrandt is an historic building but has been updated with contemporary décor and facilities. It boasts superb conference facilities, fitness ... More
The V & A has pieced together Quilts 1700-2010, an exhibition which elevates this traditionally homemade craftwork to art work. Exploring both the development of
quilting ...More
4 minutes walk from Victoria and Albert (V & A) Museum
In true French style, this chic cheese shop piles its wares high and stinking, with no fridges, or glass barriers to stop customers getting in ... More
4 minutes walk from Victoria and Albert (V & A) Museum
A comfortable Brasserie that offers London's most daringly retro French dining experience, from the beautifully presented fruits de mer to the slightly snooty staff. The ...More
6 minutes walk from Victoria and Albert (V & A) Museum
La Brasserie is a long-standing favourite with the Sloane crowd, handily situated opposite the most expensive shopping street in the world. This is a friendly, ...More
9 minutes walk from Victoria and Albert (V & A) Museum
This is one of London's most prestigious art colleges and the world's only wholly postgraduate university of art and design. You will need at least ... More
5 minutes walk from Victoria and Albert (V & A) Museum
An international chain of health and fitness clubs that has a number of sites across London. Facilities vary across clubs, all have well stocked gyms ...More
9 minutes walk from Victoria and Albert (V & A) Museum
Taking its inspiration from the American speakeasy movement, Barts is a tiny, intimate and relaxed bar in South Kensington which promises a refreshingly fun experience ... More
4 minutes walk from Victoria and Albert (V & A) Museum
Private members club with a regular pack of paparazzi parked outside waiting for royals to exit after one too many vodka red bulls. Its popularity ...More
4 minutes walk from Victoria and Albert (V & A) Museum
Private members club with a regular pack of paparazzi parked outside waiting for royals to exit after one too many vodka red bulls. Its popularity ...More
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The V & A has pieced together Quilts 1700-2010, an exhibition which elevates this traditionally homemade craftwork to art work. Exploring both the development of
quilting ...More
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The Victoria and Albert Museum (or V & A as everyone calls it) was originally founded in 1852 to inspire and educate British designers and manufacturers. Today it houses over 4 million items spanning centuries and hundreds of cultures. The stunning collection covers European, Indian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Islamic artefacts ranging from ceramics, glass, metalwork and sculpture to costume, armour, weaponry and furniture. Among the museum's highlights are the dress collection which spans the 17th century to present day haute-couture; and the four-poster, Jacobean Great Bed of Ware, immortalized by Shakespeare in 'Twelfth Night'. Galleries and facilities within the museum include the 
