Europe 1600 – 1815

Rooms 1-7

In Europe 1600 – 1815 over 1100 objects from the V&A’s collections of 17th- and 18th-century European art and design are displayed in a suite of seven galleries. The collection comprises some of the most magnificent works held by the V&A.

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These galleries have been made possible thanks to the generosity of the Heritage Lottery Fund, the children of Her Highness Sheikha Amna Bint Mohammed Al Thani, the Friends of the V&A, The Selz Foundation, Würth Group, The Wolfson Foundation, Dr Genevieve Davies, William Loschert, the J Paul Getty Jr Charitable Trust and many other private individuals and trusts.

Where to find this collection

Rooms 1-7
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Photo of Writing cabinet, probably by Michael Kimmel, 1750 – 55, Dresden, Germany. Museum no. W.63-1977. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London — Writing cabinet, probably by Michael Kimmel, 1750 – 55, Dresden, Germany. Museum no. W.63-1977. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Photo of Fan with the Triumph of Harlequin, about 1750, Rome, Italy. Museum no. T.153-1920. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London — Fan with the Triumph of Harlequin, about 1750, Rome, Italy. Museum no. T.153-1920. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Photo of The Visit of Louis XIV to the Château de Juvisy, Pierre-Denis Martin, about 1700, Paris, France. Museum no. E.293-2013. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London — The Visit of Louis XIV to the Château de Juvisy, Pierre-Denis Martin, about 1700, Paris, France. Museum no. E.293-2013. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Photo of Court suit, about 1795 – 98, probably France. Museum no. T.148-1924. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London — Court suit, about 1795 – 98, probably France. Museum no. T.148-1924. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Photo of Mask for Pulcinella, probably 1700 – 25, Italy. Museum no. W.60-1929. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London — Mask for Pulcinella, probably 1700 – 25, Italy. Museum no. W.60-1929. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Photo of Clock, case about 1810 with later movement by John Moore and Son of London, Paris, France. Museum no.361-1901. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London — Clock, case about 1810 with later movement by John Moore and Son of London, Paris, France. Museum no.361-1901. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

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Europe 1600-1815 in-gallery audio guide

Get the most out of your visit to the Europe 1600-1815 galleries with our mobile audio guide

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Design a Wig

In the late 18th century, women's hair styles went crazy! Create and share your own hair-raising design.

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Tastemakers: Europe 1600-1815 Galleries

Actress Imelda Staunton takes us on a journey to discover objects made in Europe for some of the period’s most discerning leaders of taste - King Louis XIV, Queen Marie Antoinette and Catherine the Great