Victoria & Albert Museum Henry Cole Wing
About This Museum
Tucked away in the heart of South Kensington, the V&A's Henry Cole Wing is a bit of an insider's secret. It feels a world away from the main museum's grand halls, offering a more intimate look at the very beginnings of this great institution. This is where you can trace the story of how Prince Albert's Great Exhibition led to a national treasure. The wing itself has a quiet, scholarly charm that invites you to linger and really look.
Collection Highlights
You'll find the original 'Museum of Manufactures' pieces here—think exquisite stained glass, intricate metalwork, and early examples of photography that document Victorian ingenuity. Don't miss the cast courts; they're filled with towering plaster copies of European masterpieces like Michelangelo's David, brought here for 19th-century art students to study up close.
Visitor Information
It's part of the main V&A, so entry is free, though some special exhibitions might charge. Best to check their website for current opening times before you head over, as they can shift.
Architecture & Building
A handsome red-brick and terracotta building from the late 19th century, it carries that distinctively solid and decorative Victorian civic character.
Contact & Location
Address: London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
Website: Visit Website
