What To See In The Young V&A in London
Whenever we think of museums, the first things that often come to mind are boring and quiet environments. A place where children are not allowed to make noise or roam around.
Young V&A, formerly known as the V&A Museum of Childhood, is a different kind of museum. It is designed specifically for children. Kids can move around freely, play, and interact with others while learning and having fun.
If you’re heading to London, you’ll quickly find out that this city is packed with amazing free museums to explore, and the Young V&A is one you don’t want to miss, especially if you are traveling with kids. So in this post, we will cover everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Young V&A, what to expect, and the top highlights to see.
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Overview and History
The Young V&A in Bethnal Green has the United Kingdom’s largest collection of childhood treasures like toys, games, childhood accessories, and costumes.
Over the years, the museum has undergone many changes. It was closed in March 2020 for significant renovations. The museum reopened in July 2023. It has since evolved into a fun space where children can learn, explore, and enjoy themselves.
What is Young V&A
The museum is created for families with young children ages 0-14 and also for those young at heart. It is filled with interactive exhibits, galleries, and play areas that kids and teens alike will love. In here the children are encouraged to use their imagination, creativity, and passion for design.
One of the most exciting new features is their collection of children’s protest art. It tackles big issues like gender, human rights, and race. This is significant in empowering kids to make a real impact on the world.
Young V&A has recently won the Museum Fund of the Year 2024 award. It goes to show just how committed they are to creating a fun and educational environment for all kids. So if you’re visiting London, this is a must-see spot for your family.
Planning your visit to the Young V&A
Young V& A address:
Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA
How to get to Young V&A:
The closest underground station is Bethnal Green, just a 2-minute walk away. If you’re arriving by overground, the nearest station is Cambridge Heath, which is a 5-minute walk. For step-free access, the nearest station is Whitechapel.
Opening times and ticket:
- Admission is FREE
- Daily: 10.00 – 17.45
- Galleries close from 17.00
Galleries of the Young V&A
The Museum is divided into 3 galleries; Play, Imagine, and Design Galleries.
Play Gallery (0-5 years old)
The Play Gallery is located on the ground floor. This gallery is aimed at kids ages 0-5. There are two play areas specifically for preschoolers. Children can explore through play with lots of hands-on activities.
The interactive areas encourage them to touch, move, and manipulate different toys. Toys were displayed by color or alphabetically to capture their attention.
The Arcade section has a small gaming area with Minecraft. It also shows the history of board games and video designs.
These types of interactive exhibits help develop their motor and cognitive skills in a fun way. The brightly colored surfaces and playful designs are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers to enjoy.
Imagine Gallery (5-11 years old)
Children aged 5-11 years old will enjoy this gallery. The display features toys from different eras. It takes the children through a journey – how play has changed through the years.
This section references pop culture toys such as Barbie, Star Wars spaceships, and more.
One of the interactive elements of this gallery is the dress-up area where children can try different costumes and let their imaginations run wild.
The Stage in Imagine Gallery encourages active participation where children can express their creativity.
Design Gallery (11-14 years old)
The Design gallery is located on the upper floor of the museum. This gallery is geared toward older children ages 11-14. The displays here focus more on design elements and how they contribute to the ease of use of common objects including toys.
A video about different design methods is shown to encourage kids to think critically about how things are made. The Open Studio located at the far end of the gallery, has tables where children can envision and draw their own design.
The gallery aims to inspire the next generation of designers and encourage them to think outside the box.
Young V&A Highlights
These highlights combine history, creativity, and interactive learning which makes Young V&A a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
1. Joey Puppet from War Horse
The Joey Puppet is a life-sized puppet. It is an impressive work of craftsmanship made to replicate a horse’s movements and expressions. The puppet is controlled by skilled puppeteers who bring Joey’s character to life.
You can see how complex the puppet’s design and construction is. Visitors have the opportunity to see up close how this beloved character from the play War Horse was brought to life on stage.
2. Miniature Doll Houses, including ‘The Place’
The museum houses a collection of miniature doll houses from different periods. Each house tells a story about the architecture, interior design, and daily life of that particular time period.
You can see how homes and lifestyles have changed through time. The craftsmanship in each piece is evident in the intricate decorations of furniture and houses.
One of the notable pieces is ‘The Place,’ an assembly of 100 dollhouses of varying styles. It is lit from the inside to depict nighttime. These dollhouses do not have people or furniture inside. This helps you focus on the architectural details and overall design.
3. Star Wars Collection
For fans of the Star Wars franchise, the museum has a collection of Star Wars-themed toys. These are some of the displays found in the museum: the original packaged action figures of Boba Fett from 1980, Chewbacca from 1978, and a Princess Leia figure.
Another highlight that fans will enjoy is LEGO collector’s models of the Death Star and Millennium Falcon.
This exhibit will surely impress both longtime Star Wars fans and those new to the galaxy far, far away.
4. The Retro Video Game Console
Visitors can see a display of different video games from the 1980s and 1990s. And how it has changed through time and how technology has advanced and shaped the way we play today.
The display features classic consoles such as the Game & Watch, Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and Sega Mega Drive.
5. Masters of the Universe Collection
A display features action figures from the Masters of the Universe series, including He-Man, She-Ra, Teela, Roboto, Orko, and others.
This exhibit brings back the excitement of the 1980s where the heroes and villains captured the imaginations of children worldwide.
FAQ’s
Is Young V&A suitable for all age groups?
Yes, Young V&A caters to children of all ages. The museum has specific galleries for different age groups, from toddlers to teenagers.
Do I need to book tickets?
Young V&A is free. No need to book tickets in advance for general entry. Special exhibitions or events may require tickets in advance. Best to check the museum’s website before your visit.
Are there facilities for families with young children?
Yes, Young V&A is a very family-friendly museum. They have baby-changing areas, a café with kid-friendly options, and spaces where you can take a break during your visit.
Final thoughts
Young V&A is a great place for families with children and those young at heart to enjoy. The museum offers interactive exhibits that make learning fun.
Visitors can explore toys from different eras and participate in hands-on experiences that spark their creativity and imagination.
London has tons of museums to offer, and Young V&A stands out for its unique focus on childhood. So be sure to add Young V&A to your list when you’re in London!
Bio
Gail, the author behind Postcards from G, is a travel blogger, Potterhead, and avid postcard enthusiast. With adventures spanning 20 countries, she shares her tips and guides to inspire others to explore the world.
