Victoria and Albert Museum
During the Great Exhibition of 1851 (a British showoff extravaganza), a building was erected to show the Museum of Manufactures, things the industrial revolution was cranking out. They needed a spot after the big show, and in 1854 started with Brompton Park House, and in 1857 after extensions and the first cafe in a museum, was opened by the Queen herself.Designed to be educational as well to demonstrate the might of the empire, it shifted to displays for the common man, even lighting was added to have it open late so people could come after work to visit.
As it was generally a catchall for every kind of thing, like art, science, antiquities, it soon needed more space. But as other museums were built with their own specific focuses, it became the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1899 and was in line with things the Queen and her Consort actually found interesting for "bringing Liberality and Refinement" to those that didn't have it (commoners).
Many houses used to stand on the land, but they were acquired, razed and the museum got larger.
The museum continued to be a ground breaker, hosting a rock concert in 1973, serving as a way station for evacuations from London in the 1940s, and providing a home for various councils on continued art and design.
Now what is it? Well, it's a collection, somewhat chaotic, vaguely related to art (think like the Met in NYC and its interpretation of artistic things).
The Arrival - South Kensington Tube Station
I love using the Underground due to speed, ease, and it's kinda cool. There is a tunnel from the South Kensington station that goes to many of the museums, the V&A included.Entrance is free and unticketed. Ideal for someone who didn't plan well they day he went...
The Museum
So, there isn't a lot of rhyme or reason to the layout that I could find, so... I'm going to try to do it by floors. Starting with the ground floor.Ground Floor
Ok, this floor has a lot of sculptures, sculpture reproductions in plaster, medieval, cafe and tea shop, main museum shop, Middle Eastern of the Muslim period, and um... I think that's all?First Floor
Into british things and
The Medieval and Renaissance collections
England was a century behind Italy on this
Plaster recreations of famous landmarks from around the world
Travel in the 19th century for the layman was very difficult, so this brought the world to them
The outstanding team rooms
This one is the money shot of them, very elegant and refined
The tea cakes and snacks
The center John Madejski garden
Drinks and snacks in the garden
Where to buy your V&A items
Islamic art from the height of the Muslim period and a 1000 year old rug"
That Islamic rule and compass
Another shop on the west side of the museum"
Exhibition Road
Old school bed
Some type of royal function room
The ironwork from the industrial revolution
Some 400 year old circular stair
Very cool artwork
Large amounts of Victorian jewelry
The Leighton hallway
No access without a reservation
Holy silver!"
So much silver, so little plated, most is solid
Old books and approachable art
Summary
I had heard many people tell me what the museum was, and they were all kind of correct, but also wrong. It's very much like taking all the things someone was interested over their lifetime and then putting them in rooms from their own enjoyment.It is a very interesting collection though, and for free, cannot complain!