Plan a FREE self-guided school group visit to the V&A

'The V&A is a vibrant learning resource for students.' D&T teacher

Our galleries are overflowing with incredible artefacts, design objects and artworks, spanning centuries and continents, that will enhance the teaching and learning of many key curriculum themes. From specially designed Discovery Areas with hands-on activities where students can handle replica objects and try on costumes,  to our atmospheric period rooms and spectacular Renaissance garden with indoor fountain, the V&A is the place to bring Primary and Secondary groups to experience inspirational learning. ~

Inspiring exhibitions
Hands-on activities
Lunchroom and locker facilities
Courtyard garden
Risk assessment assistance

Free self-guided visits for Primary Schools

Free self-guided visits for Secondary Schools

In advance of your visit

Primary Schools

Key galleries for primary school groups:

• British – including Victorians and Tudors
• Medieval & Renaissance 300 - 1600
• Islamic Middle East
• Fashion (Reopening Spring 2012)
• China
• Japan

The V&A is free to visit but you need to book in advance for self-guided group visits.  For more information and to book:

Phone: 020 7942 2211, 9.00–17.30, Monday–Friday
Email: bookings.office@vam.ac.uk

Download the booking form:

Self-Guided Group booking form (PDF file, 49 KB)

Self-Guided Group booking form (Word file, 58 KB)

Please contact us well in advance of your intended visit – we require a minimum of 10 days notice for school groups. The museum requires at least one teacher for every 10 primary school students. A qualified teacher must accompany groups for workshops and events.

At the time of booking please let us know:

•  Which galleries you are planning to visit
• If you would like to book a Study Room
• If you would like to book tickets for any exhibitions
• If you would like to book any talks, workshops or other events
• If you would like to reserve tables in our lunchroom for your students to eat their
  packed lunches

You will be sent a letter of confirmation which you must bring with you on the day of your visit. If you want to visit a particular gallery and it has to close, we will try to let you know.

Secondary Schools

Key galleries for secondary school groups:

• 20th & 21st Century design
•  Fashion (Reopening Spring 2012)
• British
• Photography
• Jewellery
• Theatre & Perfomance
• Sculpture
  

The V&A is free to visit but you need to book in advance for self-guided group visits.
For more information and to book:

Phone: 020 7942 2211, 9.00–17.30, Monday–Friday
Email: bookings.office@vam.ac.uk

Download the booking form:

Self-Guided Group booking form (PDF file, 49 KB)

Self-Guided Group booking form (Word file, 58 KB)

Please contact us well in advance of your intended visit – we require a minimum of 10 days notice for school groups. The museum requires at least one teacher for every 15 secondary school students. A qualified teacher must accompany groups for workshops and events.

At the time of booking please let us know:

• Which galleries you are planning to visit
• If you would like to book a Study Room
• If you would like to book tickets for any exhibitions
• If you would like to book any talks, workshops or other events
• If you would like to reserve tables in our lunchroom for your students to eat their
  packed lunches
  

You will be sent a letter of confirmation which you must bring with you on the day of your visit. If you want to visit a particular gallery and it has to close, we will try to let you know.

Self-guided exhibition visits

Take advantage of concessionary student and teacher tickets for group visits to see our popular exhibitions. On making an exhibition group booking, teachers will receive a complimentary exhibition ticket in order to make a preparatory visit. To book exhibition group tickets please call 020 7942 2211. 

In advance of your visit

Our resources will help both Primary and Secondary teachers prepare for a class visit to the galleries and explore a range of subjects including Art & Design, D&T, English, Drama, History, Music, Geography, Maths, and Citizenship. You may also wish to book an INSET session for an introduction to the V&A along with strategies and practicalities of organising a visit. These are popular with teachers who have not visited the V&A before.

Access

Students with disabilities are welcome. Please notify us of your needs when making your booking. The Disability pages have more information about access and facilities available at the South Kensington site.

Gallery closures

The V&A is currently undergoing a programme of renewal and restoration. If you are planning to see a specific gallery or object with your students please check the Gallery closures page or contact us to make sure it will be available when you book your visit.

We look forward to welcoming you to the V&A.