In all the years we've been visiting London the V&A Museum has never figured on our itinerary. We've always gone to The Natural History Museum which is just across the way, and, having a background and interest in Earth Sciences and Palaeontology, made dinosaurs and ancient life a massive draw for me. However, on a recent trip to London, we planned to go to The V&A after seeing friends post photos on social media, and, well, social media is awash with people clamouring for the Chanel tote bag that is forever sold out, and my better half wanted in. We arrived bright and early to a long(ish) queue, however, we met a lovely couple from Pennsylvania whilst waiting who were making The V&A their last big venue visit before their flight that day. Anyway, once through the door we were greeted by cheery security, and, well, immediately we were struck by how grand the entrance/main hall was. Straight away my wife made a beeline to shop staff to enquire about this Chanel tote bag (Chanel merch being on offer thanks to the Chanel exhibit on show - for those who can look beyond the Nazi connection). However, it was sold out and staff had no idea when more were coming, if at all. In fact throughout the day, and dotting in and out of the gift shops, we show countless people asking staff about these bags, and one member of staff was visibly getting more and more exasperated and highly annoyed. Honestly, I think she needs a different job if this was her attitude... Anyway, the museum is nothing short of amazing, and I cannot believe this was my first time there. Is it packed with artefacts from across the world (sadly, some probably acquired through underhanded means like The British Museum...), one of the best pieces was Michelangelo's David (replica), I had no idea it was so big - settle down you lot, I meant the height of the statue. Another artefact that stuck in the mind was a giant carpet in the Islamic section encased in case, on which they turn on subdued lights every 30 minutes for 10 minutes in order to preserve it. There are some incredible, ancient, pieces in there, and it was a joy to walk around. There was also a nice section for movies and the stage with costumes and props from The Lion King, Frozen, Edward Scissorhands, Star Wars, and Charlie Chaplin's suit. The Chanel exhibit is an additional cost, but tickets seem to be eternally sold out too, however, there is more than enough other and better things going on to keep you occupied. During our visit we stopped by the Gamble Room for some food and drink. This is one amazing looking venue to have a spot of lunch in, as is the John Madejski Garden, but this was full of people doing TikTok dance videos, which was mildly annoying, but they aren't hurting anyone in the end. The V&A is a fantastic museum and I wished I had visited sooner. I'll be back next time I'm in London.

First time visit to this museum.... who knew how fabulous this would be. As soon as you walk in through the door it took your breath away... Simply stunning and as you wander around you look in awe at the collections recognising the amount of time and commitment it must take to pull all this together. Around every corner is something amazing to see and it is free admission. Food and drinks were reasonably priced (for London) and it was lovely to sit out in the courtyard in the sun. I would certainly recommend to anyone, young or old, to visit - certainly worth the hours spent and the achy feet.

Diva exhibition - charged and booked event. Diva is a fascinating, with beautiful to extravagant outfits, lots of information to read and absorb, as well as some iconic quotes from Diva's to pictures, film clips and posters of the Diva's. The free headsets, (suitable for hearing aid users) plays clips of music and gives information. The exhibition also focuses on the struggles from pay, working conditions and misogyny the artists have had to deal with, within the entertainment industry. Diva is an informative and well put together exhibition, excellent for anyone interested in music and film. Afterwards went to the garden café for food and drink. Found a seat and table but the pigeons are a real nuisance. London prices are charged, staff pleasant.

Some lovely dresses, start of the exhibition is crowded but the crowds do spread out. Where they have displayed the Chanel suits on two levels it is very difficult to appreciate the suits on the top level, as it is almost impossible to view them properly. The details of the suits are at the base but to view them you need to be in the middle of the room! The evening dresses displayed on a staircase were beautiful. The jewellery was difficult to see due to the crowds. The postcards at the end were disappointing, all black and white, such a shame, and none of her evening wear.

We were there when they opened and went straight to the top floor… it was magical as we literally had the place to ourselves for almost an hour! What a stunning and diverse collection! You will find so many gorgeous items, artifacts, furniture, art and more. Plan to see some of your favorite categories because you can’t see it all!

This is a museum worthy of a long long visit. Not only is it a fabulous building but it houses amazing collections of ancient and contemporary art and artifacts including several rooms containing 2000 pieces of astounding jewelry. The collection also contains statuary, religious artifacts, armor and weaponry, a fabulous exhibit on the influences of art on popular culture ( or vica versa), portraits and contemporary crafts. The documentation for all the art really added to the overall appreciation and made the collection very accessible. One of the best things was that, unlike many other London museums, it wasn't that crowded so you could really take your time. Another nice thing about this V&A is that unlike many other British museums the statuary they have is cast copies of originals which have since been returned to their rightful owners.

Pleasantly surprised and soooo much to see! I’m “more” into paintings and science, but went here with a friend. So glad I did! The furniture was really interesting and included a bit on “how” things done. The ceramics are “endless” and worth prepping what interest you. The glass history was also impressive and how such delicate items can survive the years? The jewelry collection and history also grand and I was absorbed by metals and silver swan. Even had old playing cards and da Vinci book. Textiles and too much to see in a day. Who knew? Yes, the clothes were cool too. We didn’t see the special exhibit, but I would next time

While the exhibition itself was incredible the format of the display was not the best . It was a bottle neck with so many people into such small Spaces, especially the very beginning of the exhibition, where all the really important information was located , way too many people In too small A space. The labels accompanying the displays were too low and proved difficult to read , these should have been higher up . This I found disappointing from the V&A who regularly exhibit different showcases and one so famous as the Gabrielle Chanel manifesto should have been displayed better . However overall I really enjoyed the content and am delighted I did get to See this.

This is an absolutely amazing museum and it’s FREE! The main floor was my favorite of all the galleries. I have never seen a museum with such variety as V&A - there is something for everyone. The cafe had great food options and there was an outdoor courtyard garden. It’s very easy to spend half a day in order to see everything.

Visited The Diva Exhibition with my mum and daughter.I am disabled and required a wheelchair.Nothing was too much trouble! We would like to thank our volunteer Roisin who went over and above!!!! A shout out to Helen also who was another amazing volunteer! We had the most amazing time and bought a few gifts in the shop whilst there.We had coffee and cake in the most amazing room with stunning views.Would highly recommend for everyone