The Victoria and Albert Museum (known locally as the V&A) was officially opened by Queen Victoria in 1857 as one of her last official public acts. Its collection covers 5,000 years of decorative and design arts. A small percentage of the 4.5 million objects are displayed in the 145 galleries at any one time. The Museum initiated a 'Future Plan" in 2002 with a ten year timeline to renovate and redesign all of the galleries in order to better conserve and display the collections.

Admission to the Museum is free. Next to the V&A is the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum making this location in London well worth the trip.