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Victoria & Albert Museum Description
The Victoria and Albert Museum is part of the great complex of museums in South Kensington (the others being the Natural History Museum, the Geological Museum and the Science Museum). The idea of the "V and A" came from Prince Albert, and the museum was originally financed from the profits of the Great Exhibition of 1851. The Museum was opened in 1857 in the building which now houses the Bethnal Green Museum. The foundation stone of the present building was laid by Queen Victoria in 1899, and it was formally opened by Edward VII in 1909 as the national museum of fine and applied arts. With its extensive collections of material from many countries and many periods it is one of the world's great art museums.

The exhibits
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Hobbies & Activities category: Major world-scale museum;  Historical museum;  Islamic site or artifact collection;  Jewels, diamond cutting;  Photo collection, exhibit
Victoria & Albert Museum Highlights

17th to 19th Century Sculpture

Some of the more prominent statues in this gallery are Cibber's "Boy Playing Bagpipes", David's "Prometheus" and Roubiliac's "Handell".

Cast Courts

These typically Victorian courts were designed for art students who lacked the funds to travel to distant places where they would be able to use the original architecture as their backgrounds.

Constable Collection

This collection of Constable's displays his techniques through sketches in pencil, watercolor and oil.

Dress Collection

There is a permanent exhibition of historical costumes from the Renaissance period to the present. It is one of the largest and most comprehensive costume collections in the world.

Textiles and
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European Decorative Gallery

The displays of this gallery demonstrate the origins of decorative arts from various architectural sources.

Gallery of China

Throughout the various sections of this exhibition can be found displays relating to Chinese burials, temples and worship, lifestyles of wealthy Chinese, complete with a canopied bed and other
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Gallery of India

The most famous piece to be found in this gallery is Tippoo's Tiger. Other important pieces include a variety of arms, armor, clothing, pottery and examples of Indian art.

Gallery of Japan

A number of porcelains, ceramics and lacquerware are to be found alongside the armaments, costumes, religious artifacts and daily items of this gallery.

Gallery of Korea

A number of ceramics, lacquers, costumes and examples of metalwork are to be found among this display.

Islamic Art

The Ardabil Carpet, the largest Persian carpet in the world, forms the centerpiece of this impressive collection of Islamic art. Other pieces of note include a Persian gold enameled dagger with
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Jewelry Gallery

Key among this collection are the Russian imperial jewels, the French imperial jewels and the Cory diamonds. Other bejeweled items such as snuff boxes and watches are also to be found in the collection.

Medieval Treasures

The Gloucester candlestick of the 12th century forms the main piece for this collection. Also to be found among the treasures are a number of ivory carvings, goldwork, the Rouen treasure and fine 12th century stained glass.

Modern Gallery

This gallery features 20th century art in the forms of books, clothing, furniture, stained glass, silverware, fabrics and an assortment of other consumer goods.

National Silver Collection

A variety of silverware from England, the continent, Russia and South America is included in this display in the Victoria and Albert. Its forms include traditional tableware, toys, enameled boxes and the treasured Pusey Horn.

Raphael Cartoons

The Raphäel Cartoons in the Victoria and Albert, depicting the Acts of the Apostles, were originally designed for tapestries for Pope Leo X in 1515. The seven on display are currently on loan from Queen Elizabeth II.

Room 48

Stained Glass Collection

The stained glass collection in the Victoria and Albert Museum includes 12th to 16th century glass. Some is from England but most is from continental sources. This collection is distributed throughout the museum.

Wright Gallery

This collection includes examples of Frank Lloyd Wright's work in furniture, printing, metalwork, books and graphics. He is best known for his architectural skills, in which he would design both
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Address
Victoria and Albert Museum
Cromwell Road, South Kensington
London SW7 2RL
United Kingdom
http://www.vam.ac.uk
Hours
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
Open10:0010:0010:0010:0010:0010:0010:00
Closed17:4517:4522:0017:4517:4517:4517:45
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Good Friday - Christian
May Day / Labor Day (May 1)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Cost
FREE
Tips
Inquire about guided tours at the information desk. Voluntary entry charge.
A program of special exhibitions and lectures is available at the Information desk.
Disabled
Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides
Guided tour included with admission.
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Transit
Underground: South Kensington; Buses: 14, 45A, 49, 74, 349.
Do-It-Yourself Tours
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