In this video, we share what you can expect when you visit V&A South Kensington, including the objects on display and getting around the museum. The video has British Sign Language interpretation and subtitles. This video is generously supported by The Lord Leonard and Lady Estelle Wolfson Foundation.
Getting to V&A South Kensington
The nearest step-free underground station is Earl's Court (1.2 miles). London Victoria station is also step-free (1.3 miles).
For more information on how to get here by public transport, see our Visit page or plan your journey with Transport For London.
Can I book a Blue Badge parking space?
There are 12 Blue Badge parking spaces on Exhibition Road managed by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. These can't be booked in advance. You can park for up to four hours between 08.30 and 18.30.
Arriving at V&A South Kensington
Entrances
The Cromwell Road entrance is step-free and has a wheelchair accessible door.
The Exhibition Road entrance is step-free and has an automatic opening door at the bottom of the walkway.
The Tunnel entrance is not wheelchair accessible.
Tickets
Admission to the museum is free and you don't need to book. For some exhibitions you will need to buy a ticket. Disabled visitors get discounted exhibition tickets. You can add a free carer ticket to every disabled ticket.
Quieter times to visit
It is typically quieter when the museum opens at 10.00 and towards closing. On Fridays we stay open until 22.00, although some galleries may close early. On the last Friday of the month, we run Friday Lates. On these evenings the museum is likely to be crowded and there may be music playing.
V&A South Kensington is especially busy on weekends and during school holidays. If you are visiting an exhibition during peak times, sometimes there is a short wait to enter the exhibition.
If you need to find the nearest quieter space, ask a member of staff.
Assistance dogs
We welcome suitably trained assistance dogs. They must be under your control during your visit. Ideally they should remain on a lead and wear a relevant tabard or harness.
Do I need to bring identification for my dog?
Where possible, dog owners should bring their Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK), Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) identification book. Your dog should wear an appropriate tabard or harness, but this is not a requirement for entry.
If your assistance dog is not registered with ADI, ADUK or IGDF, we reserve the right to deny entry to your dog if it does not appear to have been appropriately trained.
Can I bring an assistance animal that isn't a dog?
If you plan to visit with an assistance animal other than an assistance dog, please get in touch to discuss your request with us at accessibility@vam.ac.uk.
Getting around
Accessible routes and map
V&A South Kensington is an old building that has been added to over the years. There are accessible routes in different parts. Staff can recommend the most convenient route depending on what you’d like to see.
Lifts and stairs are signposted throughout the building. Find them on the digital map.
Borrowing mobility aids
Wheelchairs and walking sticks are available at the information desk in the Grand Entrance. We recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance.
Accessible toilets
There are 13 accessible toilets around the museum.
The nearest Changing Places toilet is at the Science Museum.
Portable stools
You can pick up stools in a range of galleries. Ask a member of staff if you need help.
Ear defenders for children
We have two sets of child-sized ear defenders available for use at the Learning Centre desk. There is no need to book.
Facilities
For more information on facilities, including our cloakroom, café and shops, go to the V&A South Kensington visit page.
Access resources
Assistive technologies
Our National Art Library and Prints and Drawings Study Room have:
- free access to Windows computers
- computer settings that are adaptable to suit your needs
- magnification systems (CCTV) for images, text in books and other printed materials
Find out more in our Study Room Services for People with Disabilities page.
Audio descriptions and guides
About the museum
Listen to audio descriptions of historic locations in V&A South Kensington, such as the Grand Entrance, Cast Courts and Café.
Europe 1600–1815 galleries
Get the most out of your visit to the Europe 1600–1815 galleries with our audio guide.
This includes five audio description of objects you can touch in the galleries.
Large print and subtitles
Most galleries and all exhibitions have large print guides.
A selection of films within the galleries includes subtitles. We are working to subtitle all videos in galleries and exhibitions.
Tactile resources
Tactile books
Tactile books are available in the following galleries:
- RIBA Architecture (level 3)
- Jameel Gallery of Islamic Art (level 0, room 42)
- Medieval & Renaissance (level -1, room 10)
- Sacred Silver & Stained Glass (level 2, room 83–4)
The Raphael Court
The display includes tactile, textured versions of the Raphael Cartoons.
Each one has a raised QR code that links to an accompanying audio description. Listen on your own mobile device by scanning the code. There are seven 3–4 minute audio descriptions of the Cartoons, and an audio introduction to the Raphael Cartoons which includes an audio description of the Raphael Court.
Available daily from the wooden unit in the Raphael Court (level 0, room 48a) . Please ask a member of staff for more information.
Generously supported by The Lord Leonard and Lady Estelle Wolfson Foundation.
Touch objects and samples
There are touch objects and samples in many galleries, especially in Medieval & Renaissance (level –1, 0 and 2), British Galleries 1500 – 1900 (level 1) and British Galleries 1760 – 1900 (level 3). There are also five touch objects in Europe 1600 – 1815 (–level 1) with an accompanying audio description.
Listen to a Touch Tour playlist that describes some of our touch objects:
- Head of a bodhisattva, China Gallery (level 0, room 44)
- Ming porcelain vase, China Gallery (level 0, room 44)
- Dragon vase, Korean Gallery (level 0, room 47G)
- Chimney piece from Sir Paul Pindar’s home, Daylit Gallery (level 1, room 64B)
- Chinese Celadon dish, Ceramics Gallery (level 4, room 145)
- Glass balustrade, Glass Gallery (level 3, room 131)
- Metalwork bench, Ironwork Gallery (level 2, room 114E)
- Marble owl, Sculpture Gallery (level 2, room 111)
- A Minton tiled column, Silver Gallery (level 2, room 65)
Sensory backpacks for families
Sensory backpacks are available to borrow for an hour from the Learning Centre desk.
Each backpack has:
- activity book with instructions and a museum map
- items to touch and interact with
You can pick from Curious Ceramics, An Adventure in China or Middle Eastern Marvels.
The Curious Ceramics backpack trail is designed by multi-sensory artist Abigail Hirsch, with the help of families from SENSE. It has been created for children with visual impairments, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and can be enjoyed by your whole family.
Access events
We run dementia-friendly tours, BSL events, relaxed views and touch tours. For a full programme of events see What's On.
Contact us
If you'd like to tell us about your accessibility needs or ask a question before your visit, get in touch:
Tel: +44 (0)207 9422 000
Email: accessibility@vam.ac.uk.
