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 the Museum or book in advance.
For assistance during your visit, please contact:
Contact Centre
Tel: 0207 9422 000
Email: disability@vam.ac.uk
Assistance Dogs
The V&A understands that some visitors to the Museum will require the support of an assistance dog and we are happy to admit appropriately trained assistance dogs into the Museum. Assistance dogs registered with Assistance Dogs International (ADI), Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) are always welcome if visitors can show Museum staff an appropriate ID book.
If your assistance dog is not registered with ADI, ADUK or IGDF please contact us in advance of your planned visit with documentary evidence confirming that your dog has been trained as an assistance dog by a recognised trainer.
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: 020 7942 2000
Email: disability@vam.ac.uk
Mobility aids
Wheelchairs and walking frames are available at the information desk in the Grand Entrance.
Stools are available in a range of galleries, please ask a member of staff for assistance.
Email: disability@vam.ac.uk
Accessible toilets
To find where our 13 accessible toilets are in the Museum 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
- Lecture theatre and seminar rooms
- Retail points
Sound enhancement equipment
Neck loops and radio receivers for use on talks and tours are available from the information desk in the Grand Entrance.
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. The museum is 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 the building, please book in advance. Unfortunately, assistance cannot be guaranteed to visitors who do not book in advance.
Tel: 020 7942 2000
Email: disability@vam.ac.uk
Large print labels
Large print label books are available in the galleries.
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.
Talks programme
There are regular talks for visually impaired people, some of which provide an opportunity for handling objects. For a full programme of specialist events visit What's On
The V&A Story
Audio descriptions of historic locations in the Museum are available for blind and partially sighted visitors to listen to online at home or during a visit to the V&A.
Touch Tour audios
The Touch Tour playlist describes a range of touch objects available in the Museum. To locate the objects, please refer to the room numbers on the museum map available from the Museum 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.
Family Art Fun Sensory Backpack
Discover curious ceramic objects from China to the Netherlands, learn how they were made and how ideas and materials travelled the world to reach Europe. This backpack is designed for children with visual impairments, but can be enjoyed by any family.
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: disability@vam.ac.uk
Scanning pens
Text to speech scanners are available from the information desks. These hand-held scanners can be used to read and then speak aloud gallery guide or object label text around the Museum. View a step-by-step guide on how to use the scanning pen.
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 Sackler Centre reception desk. No need to book.