The V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green in the East End of London is a branch of the Victoria and Albert Museum, which is the United Kingdom's national museum of applied arts.
The V&A Museum of Childhood is the UK’s National Museum of Childhood. It is the largest institution of its kind in the world. Its mission is to hold in trust the nation’s childhood collections and to be an international leader in engaging audiences in the material culture and experiences of childhood.
Open daily 10.00 to 17.45 Admission free
We welcome groups to the Museum and the Collection. If you are intending to visit in a group of more than 10, we’ll do our best to accommodate you during busy periods but it is helpful if you can let us know in advance of your coming on 020 8983 5200.
For a quieter visit to the Museum, we recommend coming after 14.00.
Access
Visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing
Our classrooms and audio visual displays are equipped with an induction loop sound enhancement system.
Induction loop
An induction loop is available from the Information Desk. To use the loop, you will need to switch your hearing aid to the ‘T’ position.
Visitors who are blind or partially sighted
There are many interactives to touch and play with throughout the Museum such as dressing up clothes, rocking horses, Lego and a dolls’ house. The Museum also runs free activities for families every day, including arts and crafts, and storytelling.
Animals
Assistance dogs are welcome. Water is available on request.
Visitors with additional learning needs
There are lots of hands-on activities for visitors to engage with at the Museum including the Sensory Pod, a multi-sensory space in the Creativity Gallery.
Visitors with special educational needs
A range of resources and activities are available to visitors with special educational needs.
One Thursday each term is set aside as a Quiet Day, for groups with special educational needs only. This autumn term it is Thursday 20 November. All ages of children and young people are welcome to these popular and inclusive days, when the Museum is generally quieter and students have full access to the galleries and interactive displays.
Wheelchair users and visitors with mobility difficulties
The Museum is wheelchair accessible and wheelchairs are available from the Information Desk. Seating is available throughout. Accessible toilets (including one fitted with a Radar lock) are located at the front and rear of the Museum, on the Lower Ground Floor. The rear lift can be accessed via the car park at the back of the Museum by prior arrangement.
Parking
Free on-site parking can be arranged for visitors with specific access needs. The car park is accessed via Victoria Park Square, to the rear of the Museum. To book a space and for more detailed directions, call 020 8983 5200. The nearest pay and display bays can be found on Cambridge Heath Road. The Museum is not in the congestion charging zone.
