Planning a university or college group visit to the V&A

There are a number of learning resources available to support you in using the V&A with your students, both online and at the Museum. As well as the collections and permanent galleries, there are exhibitions, resources and events to aid research and inspire creativity.

Online

Our award-winning Search the Collections database contains over a million object records. Although some of these are quite minimal, others have very detailed information. Similarly, some records have high quality photographs, some have more basic images and others have yet to be photographed. You are welcome to download and use any image on the website where the copyright belongs to the V&A, and Search the Collections images are available in high-resolution format.

You can also sign up to our e-newsletter for details of forthcoming events and exhibitions.

Exhibitions

Students and teachers enjoy a special discount to all charged V&A exhibitions. Admission is £2 per person for school, college and university groups (available to UK & European State Funded Institutions) booking at least 10 days in advance. Call +44 (0)20 7942 2211 to book (all pre-bookings are timed entry).

Research resources

Visits to our exhibitions can be enhanced by using the National Art Library (NAL) or booking your group into one of the V&A's Study Rooms: Textiles; Ceramics; South & South-East Asia; Prints & Drawings; RIBA Architecture. Along with the the Education Resource Centre, Archives, and Blythe House Archive & Library Reading Room (not at the South Kensington site) these facilities offer a great opportunity for students to extend their research experiences or explore the collections up-close for further discussion. The Print Room also holds a series of Resource Boxes designed to support lecturers in using the Print Room more effectively. The boxes contain images compiled around a variety of topics.

It is also possible to view items that are in the Museum's stores. Please contact the relevant curatorial department to arrange a visit.

You are welcome to draw in the Museum using dry art materials and can take photographs, but before you visit please read our photography policy.

In advance of your visit

When planning a visit, it is a good idea to come to the Museum before bringing your students, in order to familiarise yourself with the galleries and facilities. If you would like to undertake a preparatory visit to any of the V&A's ticketed exhibitions you may do so for free, with evidence of professional status such as a staff ID card, or letter from your institution.

Sackler Centre facilities

Our state-of-the-art Sackler Centre for Arts Education has areas for eating packed lunches and locker facilities, and although these are largely used by schools, they can also be booked for student groups for use during their visit to the Museum. Lunch slots should be booked before you visit and lockers are allocated on arrival. You may also eat your packed lunches in the John Madejski Garden, but not in the restaurant or anywhere else in the Museum.