Past event
Cars: Accelerating the Modern World
As we approach another major turning point in automotive design, this exhibition looked at the role of the car in shaping the world we live in today.
Over its short 130-year history, the car has become one of the most loved, contested and influential innovations in the world. It has revolutionised manufacturing, transformed how we move, forever changing our cities, environment and economies.
This exhibition is now closed at V&A South Kensington
"A thrilling ride"
The Independent
Exhibition highlights
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Patent-Motorwagen No. 3, Karl Benz, 1888 -
Cloche Hat, by Miss Fox, 1928 – 29, England. Museum no. T.203-1931. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
Fight Automation Fallout with Fewer Hours of Work and No Loss of Pay, poster. © Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labour and Urban Affairs -
PopUp next. © Italdesign -
Victoire, radiator mascot, designed by René Lalique, made by Lalique glassworks, about 1925, France. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
(Side) Messerschmitt, KR200 Cabin Scooter Bubble Top, 1959. © Louwman Museum – The Hague (NL) -
Antodrôme, fashion design, by Madeleine Wallis for Paquin Ltd., late 1925, Paris. Museum no. E.4399-1957. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
Graham is a recent project by Patricia Piccinini in collaboration with the Transport Accident Commission in Australia. © Transport Accident Commission -
An advert for the GM LaSalle from a series showing the car in various European locations. Illustrated by Edward A. Wilson, about 1927. © Courtesy of General Motors Company, LLC -
Hispano-Suiza Type HB6 ‘Skiff Torpedo’, Hispano-Suiza (chassis), Henri Labourdette (body), 1922. Photo by Michael Furman © the Mullin Automotive Museum
Past events
Features
About the 'Cars: Accelerating the Modern World' exhibition
Find out more about our latest exhibition
Car subcultures: dekotora, lowriders, and 'spinning'
Explore the worlds of three fascinating car subcultures
The evolution of European motorways 1920 – 2020
Explore the past 100 years of motorway construction in Europe
The car: petrol, power & pollution
"It was in part the association between gasoline and adventure that led to the eventual elimination of steam and electric cars in favour of the petrol engine".
Streamlined design: speed becomes style
How a need for speed transformed not just new driving technologies but also the look of everyday objects
Inside the 'Cars: Accelerating the Modern World' exhibition
Join curator, Brendan Cormier, on his Cars exhibition journey
Cars: Accelerating the Modern World
Supported by
Header image: E-Type Jag, opening of the M1 motorway, Vogue 1960. Photo Duffy. © Duffy Archive