The Victoria & Albert Museum

1. Arrival
2. Nights
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The Victoria and Albert Museum known throughout the world simply as the V&A, it has four million exquisite exhibits from across the world (and from all periods of history), specializing in fine and applied arts. Founded in 1852 in the wake of the successful Grand Exhibition, it was re-housed in the magnificent building designed for it by Aston Webb in 1909 (Queen Victoria herself never lived to see its glorious new premises).

The museum boasts no less that 145 galleries over four floors, covering an area of ten acres. There are marvellous displays of pottery, sculpture, furniture, ornamental glass, enamel, miniatures, water colours, silver and jewellery, not to mention some intriguing musical instruments and some stunning costume exhibits. In 2000, a spellbindingly beautiful 11 metre high, blown glass chandelier was installed as a focal point in the rotunda at the V&A's main entrance; created by Dale Chihuly, it is a mesmerising work of art.

The V&A’s paintings, drawings and prints are housed in the lovely six-storey Henry Cole Wing, and if you fancy taking a peek at James II’s wedding suit or the Great Bed of Ware, take a stroll through the magnificently restored British Galleries, which hold fine displays of British art and design dating from 1500 to 1900. You’ll also find a marvellous National Collection of Art of Photography at the V&A, which held its first photographic exhibition as early as 1858. The displays at the Canon Photography Gallery change regularly so you’re unlike to have the same experience twice.

The museum has a shop, restaurant and café and you’ll be delighted to discover that admission to its many treasures is free of charge. The museum is open every day from 10am to 5.45pm (8.00pm on Wednesdays and the last Friday of each month), the V&A’s nearest underground station is South Kensington.