Young V&A
About This Museum
The story of the Young V&A begins not in a grand design studio, but in the aftermath of the Great Exhibition of 1851. Its home is a remarkable survivor: a vast, airy hangar originally constructed in that era of Victorian ambition, which was painstakingly moved piece-by-piece from Kensington to its current spot in Bethnal Green in 1872. Today, that same structure buzzes with the energy of children exploring everything from a towering Minecraft castle to historic rocking horses. It’s less a hallowed hall and more a vibrant playground for the imagination, where the gentle clatter of feet on original marble mixes with the whirr of 3D printers and delighted shrieks.
Collection Highlights
You'll find kids completely absorbed by the 'Open Studio', designing their own creations, while others are drawn to the dazzling display of Japanese toys or the chance to try on clothes from different eras. The collection is a hands-on journey through play, seamlessly blending beloved classics with cutting-edge digital interactives.
Visitor Information
It's right on Cambridge Heath Road, a stone's throw from the Tube, and as it's free to enter, it’s perfect for a spontaneous afternoon adventure. Just be prepared for your little ones to not want to leave.
Architecture & Building
The building itself is a star exhibit—a cathedral-like space defined by its soaring, visible cast-iron skeleton and vast arched windows that flood the central hall with light, all resting on cool, expansive marble floors.
Contact & Location
Address: Cambridge Heath Road, Globe Town, Bethnal Green, London Borough of Tower Hamlets, London, Greater London, England, E2 9LH, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 8983 5200
Website: Visit Website
