The Victoria and Albert museum, commonly known as the V&A, is one of the world’s leading museums of art and design. Housing a permanent collection of over 2.8 million objects, it’s located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and welcomes over a million visitors each year.
Exploring the collections and exhibitions at the V&A makes for a great day out for the whole family – and what better way to round off a day out than by finishing with a bite to eat at Little India? This Gloucester road Indian restaurant offers authentic and flavoursome food from award-winning chefs. Let’s take a look at what’s on at the V&A this winter so you can plan your trip.
Windrush 75
Marking the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush to our shores, this exhibition celebrates the Windrush generation, their legacy and their culture. The display has been co-produced with a collective of young people of Caribbean heritage and explores intergenerational stories and the waves they have made in British history. It also invites visitors to share their own experiences and memories from past and present. The exhibition runs until 31 December 2023.
Re:Imagining Musicals
Those with a passion for musical theatre shouldn’t miss the Re:Imagining Musicals exhibition, which runs until 4 February 2024. Taking visitors into the glittering world of stage shows, it explores the evolution and exquisite craftsmanship of some of the world’s most celebrated musicals. Whether you’re a fan of classics such as Miss Saigon and My Fair Lady, or enjoy modern creations like Wicked and SIX, you’re sure to love the costume displays, artwork and props on display.
Beguiling Beni: Safflower Red in Japanese Fashion
Colour enthusiasts can discover the joys of the Japanese dye ‘beni’, which is made from the petals of the safflower. Producing red and iridescent green hues, it has been used widely in fashion. You’ll find examples of it in everything from woodblock prints to heel-less shoes in this enchanting display, which runs until 31 March 2024.
Energy: Sparks from the Collection
Energy is a key part of photography – in fact without it, the art form wouldn’t exist. From energy generated by sunlight that passes through the lens of a camera to that which triggers the flash bulb, this display shines a light on the different kinds of energy in photography. It features some of the earliest examples of photography, as well as monochrome marvels and colourful C-type prints. The exhibition runs until 20 April 2024.
Through the Noise: Braimah Kanneh-Mason – 29 October
Violinist Braimah Kanneh-Mason is joined by pianist Junyan Chen as he performs a selection of his favourite music in the Elgar Room. In this contemporary space, you’ll hear music by Ernest Bloch, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Niccolò Paganini. Held on Sunday 29 October at 8pm, the performance is followed by a DJ set, which starts at 9.30pm.
Talks
In addition to the exciting exhibitions hosted at the V&A this winter are a range of talks. These cover topics such as the work of Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, stories from Windrush, career paths for young creatives and the museum’s Jewish heritage.
