Facilities for people with learning disabilities or dyslexia

For any assistance during your visit, please contact a member of staff or the Disability and Access Officer on telephone +44 (0)20 7942 2766, text phone +44 (0)20 7942 2002, or email disability@vam.ac.uk.

Escort service

If you require an escort, please book in advance by contacting the bookings office on telephone +44 (0)20 7942 2211, text phone +44 (0)20 7942 2002, or email bookings.office@vam.ac.uk.

Assistance cannot be guaranteed to visitors who do not book in advance.

Self-guided tours

The following tours are available in tape or large print from the Information Desks:

  • An Introductory Tour of the V&A
  • Decorative Motifs in Art
  • Touch Objects in the British Gallery

Screen reader and other magnification technology

JAWS and MAGIC software is available on computer terminals in the National Art Library and the Print Room.

Scanning pens

Text to speech scanners are available from the Information Desks. These hand-held scanners can be used to read and then speak aloud gallery guide or object label text around the museum. This device may be particularly helpful for people with dyslexia but may also prove useful for visitors whose first language is not English as the device can provide the meanings of individual words.

View a step-by-step guide on how to use the scanning pen.

Queen Elizabeth II by Cecil Beaton

8 February – 22 April 2012

Featuring portraits of Queen Elizabeth II by royal photographer Cecil Beaton, this exhibition celebrates Her Majesty in her roles as princess, monarch and mother and coincides with the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne.

More details

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My Generation: The Glory Years of British Rock

My Generation: The Glory Years of British Rock

The story of the people who provided the soundtrack to those momentous times with outstanding images of the biggest names in rock history

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Event - Create! Architecture

Sat 21 April 2012 11:00

YOUNG PEOPLE'S EVENT: Create stunning architectural drawings for your portfolio on location around the V&A, learning the tricks of the trade from a professional architect.

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