Order an Object visiting tips

Your appointment will take place within our stores at either V&A East Storehouse or V&A South Kensington depending on the objects you've booked. Your booking email will confirm this.

Clothing, shoes and PPE

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and flat shoes.

We may:

Long fingernails can damage nitrile gloves, and you may not be able to handle objects if you have them.

You can't bring many things into the appointment space with you. Use our lockers or cloakrooms to store anything you don't need.

No food or drink, including bottled water, can be brought in.

You are welcome to bring:

If you want to bring something else, request this when you book.

What we provide

We will give you what you need to view and interact with the objects. This may include:

We can provide any of the following for your appointment:

Tell us any access requirements for you or your guest when you book your appointment or contact us.

Find detailed venue accessibility information:

Bringing a companion

If you are disabled, a companion can join you in addition to your guest. It is helpful to tell us they are coming when you book so we can make sure there is enough space.

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome. It is helpful to tell us they are coming when you book so we can make sure there is suitable space and a water bowl available.

Checking in

Allow 10 minutes to get to check in. Your email will tell you which entrance to arrive at and how to get to reception.

When your appointment starts a member of staff will take you to the appointment space. It may take up to 10 minutes to walk there. Tell them if you need a step-free route.

Interacting with objects

We will show you how to interact with your objects safely. Some objects can only be observed, not handled and other security measures may be in place.

Some objects can only be handled with nitrile gloves or bare hands.

We will show you what to do so you can feel confident.

We may ask you to:

You are welcome to ask us questions about collections access or the objects you are seeing. Any questions we can't answer on the day will get passed on and we can follow up with you after your visit.

You can bring a guest with you to your appointment, let us know when you book.

Make sure that you:

Looking for something to do after your Order an Object appointment?

Storage Displays

There are curated mini storage displays across all three levels of Storehouse. You can use your phone to scan the QR codes to find out more information about the objects on display.

Object Encounters

Object Encounters are free group sessions highlighting different objects in Storehouse. They run multiple times a day. Find out what’s happening on the V&A East noticeboard in the Welcome space. Sign up at the Study Centre on level 2 to join an encounter.

Conservation Overlook

On Level 3, you can watch our conservators at work in the conservation studio via a glass overlook balcony and live feed screen.

Grab a bite to eat in our café, walk around the galleries, visit one of our exhibitions or attend an event.

Email us on orderanobject@vam.ac.uk or look at the answers to commonly asked questions.

Email us on orderanobject@vam.ac.uk to cancel. Include your booking reference number, name or appointment date. Or reply to your booking confirmation.

Amending appointments

You can't make any changes to your appointment. You will need to:

1. Cancel your appointment by emailing orderanobject@vam.ac.uk
2. Book a new appointment on our website

Be aware that if you are 30 minutes late or more, we will not be able to progress with the appointment.