The Victoria & Albert Museum : a royal bicentennial in central London

While the Thames is lined with its fair share of museums, the Victoria & Albert Museum, named after the most glamorous couple of the Victorian era, is the world’s largest museum dedicated to design and the decorative arts. Its collection of 4 million works ranges from Antiquity to modern times and includes furniture, jewels, sculptures, paintings, ceramics, photographs, and textiles. The museum recently added 10 new galleries.

A museum fit for a king

In addition to its permanent displays, there are an incredible number of curiosities just waiting to be discovered at the V&A. The site, which was created following the World’s Fair of 1851, is so large and rich that you will need more than a single day to see it all. Featuring sections on fashion since the 17th century, the India Office’s collections on Indian art and civilisation, and furniture in Europe during the Middle Ages, art aficionados are sure to get their fix.

After the sun sets, the John Madejski garden puts on an otherworldly show. © Edward Hill

If you would like a rare private tour of the Paul and Jill Ruddock Gallery, be sure to plan your trip well in advance. © V&A

Renting out a historical venue

In anticipation of guests’ needs, the museums most beautiful rooms can now be rented out. The world’s most prestigious companies have done so to launch new products, host official conferences, throw delightful cocktail parties, and organise gala dinners attended by members of the royal family and documented by the press. Such evenings are, of course, invitation only…

The Dorothy and Michael Hintze Sculptures Gallery is perfect for standing cocktail receptions and seated dinners alike. © V&A