We hope that everyone who visits the V&A enjoys their experience. Visitors who require additional assistance can either speak to a member of staff when they arrive at V&A South Kensington or book in advance.
For assistance during your visit, please contact:
Contact Centre
Tel: 0207 9422 000
Email: accessibility@vam.ac.uk
Assistance dogs
The V&A understands that some visitors will require the support of an assistance dog and we are happy to admit appropriately trained assistance dogs.
Where possible, dog owners should bring their Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK), Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) identification book and animals should wear the appropriate tabards or harness, but this is not a requirement for entry.
Assistance dogs should be supervised and kept under your control throughout your visit, ideally remaining on a lead and wearing the appropriate tabard or harness. If your assistance dog is not registered with ADI, ADUK or IGDF, we reserve the right to deny entry to your dog if it does not appear to our staff to have been appropriately trained. If you have any concerns about this, please contact us in advance of your planned visit. Similarly, if you plan to visit with an assistance animal other than an assistance dog, please get in touch to discuss your request with us: accessibility@vam.ac.uk
Getting here
The Cromwell Road and Exhibition Road entrances are both step-free. At the Cromwell Road entrance, a wheelchair accessible door is located between the revolving doors. At the Exhibition Road entrance, an automatic opening door is located at the bottom of the ramp. The Tunnel entrance from South Kensington underground station is not wheelchair accessible.
Blue Badge parking
There are twelve blue badge parking spaces on Exhibition Road managed by the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. For more information visit Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea parking
Visitors with mobility impairments
Guiding service
If you require a guide to assist you around the building, please book in advance. Unfortunately, assistance cannot be guaranteed to visitors who do not book in advance.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7942 2000
Email: accessibility@vam.ac.uk
Mobility aids
Wheelchairs, walking frames and walking sticks are available at the information desk in the Grand Entrance of V&A South Kensington. These can be booked in advance by emailing: accessibility@vam.ac.uk
Stools are available in a range of galleries, please ask a member of staff for assistance.
Accessible toilets
To find our 13 accessible toilets, please go to our Visit page.
Visitors with a hearing impairment
Induction loops
You will need to switch your hearing aid to the 'T' position. Induction loops are available in the following areas:
- Information desks
- Retail points
- Seminar Rooms and Lecture Theatres
Talks programme
There are regular talks for deaf and hard of hearing people in British Sign Language or with live subtitles. For a full programme of events visit What's On.
Subtitled videos
A selection of videos within the galleries include subtitles. We are working to subtitle all videos in galleries and exhibitions.
Visitors with a visual impairment
Guiding service
If you require a guide to assist you around V&A South Kensington, please book in advance. Unfortunately, assistance cannot be guaranteed to visitors who do not book in advance.
Tel: 020 7942 2000
Email: accessibility@vam.ac.uk
Large print labels
Large print label books are available.
Tactile books are available in the following galleries:
- RIBA Architecture
- Jameel Gallery of Islamic Art
- Medieval & Renaissance
- Sacred Silver & Stained Glass
Assistive technologies
Our Study Rooms provide free access to Windows computers and settings can be adapted to suit needs.
- National Art Library
- Prints & Drawings Study Room
Magnification Systems (CCTV) are available in:
- National Art Library
- Prints & Drawings Study Room
For a guide on how to access the Study Rooms, please visit Study Room Services for People with Disabilities.
The V&A Story
Audio descriptions of historic locations in V&A South Kensington are available for blind and partially sighted visitors to listen to online at home or during a visit.
Touch Tour audios
The Touch Tour playlist describes a range of touch objects available in the V&A South Kensington. To locate the objects, please refer to the room numbers on the map available from the information desk in the Grand Entrance.
Europe 1600 – 1815 in-gallery audio guide
Get the most out of your visit to the Europe 1600 – 1815 galleries with our new, free audio guide.
Visitors with learning disabilities and dyslexia
Guiding service
If you require a guide to assist you around the building, please book in advance. Unfortunately, assistance cannot be guaranteed to visitors who do not book in advance.
Tel: 020 7942 2000
Email: accessibility@vam.ac.uk
Assistive technologies
Our Study Rooms provide free access to Windows computers. Settings can be adapted to suit needs in the ‘Ease of Access Centre’ accessed via the Control Panel.
- National Art Library
- Prints & Drawings Study Room
Ear defenders for children
We have two child sized ear defenders available for use at the Centre for Arts Education reception desk. No need to book.
Sensory backpacks
Sensory backpacks are available from the front desk in the Learning Centre.
The Curious Ceramic backpack trail is designed by multi-sensory artist Abigail Hirsch, with the help of families from SENSE. It has been specially created for children with visual impairments, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Find out more about this backpack and its contents on our blog.