The gift of Membership

Order by midnight 15th December for UK delivery in time for Christmas or order anytime with an instantly ready gift certificate.

During your gift Membership purchase, we will ask you whether you'd like the welcome pack to be sent to you or to your gift recipient.

What happens if I select "send to Member"?

The welcome pack containing the Membership card(s) will be dispatched within 10 working days to the address you give us for your gift recipient.

Your gift recipient will start to receive email correspondence from V&A Membership two weeks after your purchase.

What happens if I select "send to me"?

If you opt to have the welcome pack delivered to you, your gift recipient will not be contacted by email for one month after your purchase so that we don't spoil any surprise gifts.

Please present the Membership pack to your gift recipient within a month of purchase. This is to ensure we comply with data protection legislation to inform people that we are processing their data.

Do I have to buy my tickets in advance?

No. As a Member you do not need to buy tickets in advance, or book a timeslot. Simply show up with your Membership card to visit the exhibit. Even if the show has sold out.

How can I attend an exhibition if it’s sold out?

Being a Member means that you can see the exhibition, even if it's sold out.

When can I start coming to exhibitions as a Member?

Right away. Your Membership is valid immediately from the moment you purchase your Membership.

What's the difference between a Plus Guest and Extra Card Membership?

A Plus Guest Membership allows you to bring any one guest with you to exhibitions and the Members' Room.

An Extra Card Membership is for two people. You'll name a second Member during purchase who will enjoy all the same benefits as you, apart from the V&A Magazine subscription. Each of you will be able to bring one guest into exhibitions and the Members' Room.

Can anybody use the Extra Card Membership?

No. Only the person named on the Membership card can use that Membership card. We will ask for the Extra Member details on sign up and ID may be required to enter exhibitions and the Members' Room.

Both Extra Card Members can bring one guest to exhibitions.

How do I visit a Members' morning view?

You must book a ticket to visit on a Members' morning view as these are outside of public opening hours. The Membership team regularly arranges Members' morning views for all exhibitions. These are listed as 'events' on the respective exhibition webpages, and can also be found on the Membership Events programme page. Tickets need to be booked in advance online.

How do I visit a Members' preview?

We recommend booking for Members' Previews if you wish to enter an exhibition at a specific time, but it is not essential. You can book for Members' Previews (from the first of the month in which an exhibition opens) on the Membership Events programme page.

Where are the Members' Rooms?

The Members' Restaurant is located between levels 3 and 4 near the Exhibition Road entrance. Access is by the stairs or directly by lift (select M).

The Members' Lounge is located on level 3. Entrance is through Gallery 131 (Glass). Access is by the stairs or directly by lift.

What do the Members' Rooms offer?

The Members' Restaurant offers a dedicated lunch menu with device-free dining between 11.30 – 15.30, new dining options, as well as a range of dietary options including vegan and gluten-free dishes.

The Members' Lounge includes an all-day café offer including an offer of hot beverages, cakes, pastries and savoury snacks, all cooked on site by our own pâtissière.

Can I bring a guest with me into the Members' Rooms?

You are welcome to bring as many guests as your Membership level allows. All Members can bring up to four children under 16 in with them.

Standard Individual or Under 26 Individual cards admit the named Member only.

Standard Plus Guest or Under 26 Plus Guest cards admit the named Member, plus one adult guest.

Standard Plus Extra Card admits the named Members, plus one adult guest per card.

When are the Members' Rooms open?

Members' Restaurant

Daily, 10.00 – 17.30

Last seating time 16.45 and last orders at the bar 17.00

Friday, 10.00 – 21.30

Last seating time 20.45 and last orders at the bar 21.00

Members' Lounge

Daily, 11.00 – 16.00

Counter service is available from 11.00 to 15.45, with self-service operating at all other times

Can I book a table in the Members' Rooms?

No, we don't take bookings for the Members' Rooms.

I'm already a Member, how do I renew?

Log into your online account and head to My Membership, where you'll find a button to take you to renew.

How can I upgrade my Membership?

Please contact the Membership team to upgrade. Email membership@vam.ac.uk, or call us on +44 (0)20 7942 2271.

The team is available Monday to Friday 10.00 until 17.00.

When will I receive my Membership card?

We will dispatch your welcome pack and Membership card within 10 working days of purchasing the Membership.

Can I opt for a digital Membership card?

Yes, you'll have the opportunity to opt instead for a digital Membership card to keep in your phone wallet. We'll email you to offer this as an alternative the day after you purchase the Membership.

Can I use my Membership before my card arrives?

Membership cards and welcome letters will be sent within 10 working days. If Members would like to visit the V&A before receiving their card, they can show proof of purchase at the Membership Desk in the Grand Entrance – and we'll issue a temporary card to access exhibitions and the Members' Rooms immediately.

How do I receive my shop discount?

When shopping at the museum, please show us your Membership card when checking out to receive the discount.

When shopping online, please log into your account and the discount will be automatically applied.