Easter in South Kensington
General Visiting Information
V&A South Kensington is open daily from 10:00–17:45 (last entry 17:15) and Fridays from 10:00–22:00 (some galleries open after 17:45). There is no need to pre-book a ticket for free entry to the museum. Some exhibitions and events carry a separate charge.
Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence
The Porter Gallery
This major architecture exhibition traces the journey of Tropical Modernism, a style that despite its British colonial beginnings evolved into the architectural symbol of a postcolonial future in West Africa and India. Through architectural models, drawings, photographs and an immersive 30-minute film, discover the origins of Tropical Modernism.
DIVA
Gallery 40
Get your ticket to DIVA before it closes on 10 April. This exhibition, featuring an immersive headset experience, celebrates the power and creativity of iconic performers, from Whitney Houston, Tina Turner and Cher to Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish.
Relaxed Morning View for Families
Europe Galleries
Enjoy the Europe Galleries at a quieter time with family-friendly drop-in activities exploring the theme of animals and musical instruments from 8:30–10:00 on Saturday 16 March, when the museum opens to the public.
Beguiling Beni: Safflower Red in Japanese Fashion
Japan Room, Room 45
Explore the Japanese dye 'beni', made from safflower petals, which produces red hues and an iridescent green. This display, open until 31 March, reveals its many uses in fashion, from heel-less shoes by Noritaka Tatehana, to textiles, cosmetics and ukiyo-e woodblock prints.
Tours at the V&A
Dome, Cromwell Road Entrance
We have a great variety of free daily tours to fuel your curiosity. From collection highlights such as fashion, architecture and theatre to female voices, LGBTQIA+ highlights and African heritage. Our full list of tours can be found here.
Family backpack trails
Learning Centre
Borrow one of our family backpacks to explore the V&A through creative and fun multi-sensory activities. Discover curious ceramic objects, architectural inventions and incredible interiors. Our award-winning backpacks are recommended for 5-12 years. Head to our Learning Centre during your visit and chat to a member of the team to find out more.
Energy: Sparks from the Collection
Galleries 100 and 101
This display shines a light on the diverse kinds of energy in photography, from the hidden processes intrinsic to creating a picture, to the subjects in front of the camera.
Make it: Photography
Photography Centre
Join artist Sara Shamsavari on Saturday 23 March, who works with photography, painting and fashion, to explore and express your personality through portraits. Get inspired by Sara’s photographs and the work in the Photography Centre to create portraits that celebrate yourself, and your family.
Thomas J Price
Various Galleries
British artist Thomas J Price is celebrated for his arresting yet contemplative sculptures depicting everyday people. This display sets his work in dialogue with the V&A's historic collections.
Lucian Freud's Etchings: A Creative Collaboration
Paintings, Room 88a
See the free exhibition featuring highlights from a unique collection of etchings by Lucian Freud, most of which have never been exhibited until now, these trial proofs tell the story of Freud's long collaboration with master printer, Marc Balakjian.
Career insight: Exploring careers in Set Design
Join the V&A Youth Collective on Saturday 16 March as they discuss careers in Set Design with Tallulah Caskey, recipient of the 2023 Linbury Prize for Stage Design. This discussion will explore how to build a sustainable career in a challenging industry. From getting started in Set Design to establishing yourself as a professional artist.
General Visiting
The Natural History Museum is open Mon–Sun, 10.00–17.50 (last entry 17.00). We advise visitors pre-book a free ticket in advance for guaranteed entry or become a Member for priority access. Book your free general admission ticket.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Green Zone
Explore the planet’s habitats, from sprawling urban metropolises to the deep polar seas, and meet the creatures that rely on these places. With soundscapes, videos, expert insights and stunning photography, you’ll leave not only awe-inspired by the beauty and diversity of nature but also hopefully with a renewed drive to do what you can to protect it. Book your tickets now.
Volcanoes & Earthquakes
Red Zone
See the most intact Stegosaurus fossil skeleton ever found then take a journey through our Earth sculpture to head up to Volcanoes & Earthquakes. Through dramatic film footage, exhibits, interactive games, explore the natural forces that shape our ever-changing planet. Don't miss the chance to feel the ground shatter beneath your feet in the earthquake simulator!
Hintze Hall
Green Zone
No visit is complete to the Museum without a trip to the magnificent Hintze Hall. Walk beneath the largest animal on Earth, the blue whale. Wander among stunning displays that reflect the story of evolution, diversity in the world today and our role in creating a sustainable future.
Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre
Waterhouse Gallery
A hoot for all the family, our new exhibition invites you into their world like never before! Today there’s more than 11,000 species. From pigeons to penguins, ostriches to ospreys, birds live on every single continent on Earth, so what’s the secret to their success? From sucking blood to bathing in acid, our feathered friends have found surprising, clever and downright freaky ways to survive.
John James Audubon and his Birds of America
Blue Zone
This free display of prints from John James Audubon’s book The Birds of America reaffirms why it continues to inspire artists, bird experts and conservationists alike. Published between 1827 and 1838, the 435 prints transformed bird illustration through using realistic proportions, animated poses and innovative new printing techniques.
General Visiting
The Science Museum is open every day and you can visit us from 10.00–18.00 (last entry 17.15). Visitors are asked to pre-book a free ticket in advance. Book your free general admission.
Free Family Trails
Set off on a curated journey through the museum by following one of our many fun and free family trails. From a trail of the biggest items in the museum to a tour of some of the more unexpected objects you might find, there’s something for everyone!
Turn it Up: The Power of Music
Level 1
Play with beats and melody in this family-friendly, interactive exhibition all about the impact music has on all of us. Step into a unique musical playground, see weird and wonderful instruments and explore how music unlocks emotions and creates unforgettable memories. Book your tickets now for this fun-filled experience!
Power Up
Level -1
Immerse yourself in our hands-on gaming experience, featuring the very best video games and consoles from the past 50 years. From Pong to Pacman and Minecraft to Mario, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a retro games fan, a serious gamer or just want to beat your family at Mario Kart.
Zimingzhong: Clockwork Treasures from China's Forbidden City
Level 2
Uncover zimingzhong, beautiful clockwork automata prized by the emperors of 18th century China, in this stunning new exhibition. Experience the outward beauty and inner workings of these centuries-old timepieces in a “spellbinding extravaganza of ostentation” (The Telegraph). All tickets are pay what you can.
IMAX: The Ronson Theatre
Level 0
Enjoy heart-pounding audio, awe-inspiring images and immersive 3D on one of the biggest screens in the UK. Explore our array of screenings and book your tickets for a unique and unforgettable cinema experience.
Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery
Level 3
Book your ticket this Easter for an unmissable interactive experience at Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery. See lightning strike before your eyes, play with forces on giant slides or travel through space under a canopy of stars whilst seeing the world around you in new and exciting ways.
General Visiting
The Royal Albert Hall is open at 9am on show dates. Please check our website for the most up-to-date information. Our café, restaurant and gift shop are located at Door 12. This is also where tours start.
Royal Albert Hall Tours
Door 12
See the breath-taking auditorium and the stage that’s hosted some of the world’s biggest change-makers, history-shapers & stars. You’ll discover how the building was founded 150 years ago, the royal love story that made it happen, and how we solved one of the UK’s most enduring engineering challenges – the Royal Albert Hall echo. You might even be lucky enough to hear an artist in soundcheck!
Swan Lake at the Hall
True love triumphs over evil in this epic ballet, set to Tchaikovsky’s glorious score. Be captivated by the scale and beauty of the Swan Lake story, brought to life by 120 dancers and the English National Ballet Philharmonic. Opening June 12.
Afternoon Tea
We’ve been observing the tradition of Afternoon Tea for over 100 years, even serving royalty with a visit from Queen Elizabeth II for the 100th anniversary of the Women’s Institute. Our menu features classic finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a delicious spread of cakes. The star of the show is the tea itself – with 11 blends on offer, you are sure to find a flavour that hits all the right notes. Choose from our classic, vegan or children’s afternoon tea or make a toast with a glass of Ruinart Champagne if you're marking something special.
Verdi Italian Restaurant
Grand Tier (Level 1)
Verdi Italian Kitchen is a relaxed restaurant offering satisfying Italian favourites in a family-friendly setting. Our special £20 lunch menu is available from midday to 3pm on non-matinee days, so please do check our opening days and times beforehand. Advanced booking is advised as there is limited space for walk-ups.
What's on this Easter
South Kensington
This Easter there are lots of great things to do with the family - from exploring the outdoors on discovery days at the Royal Parks, going behind the scenes on a Royal Albert Hall tour, enjoying a hands-on gaming experience at the Science Museum, catching a movie or enjoy one of the brilliant creative workshops happening in the area. There is something for everyone!