Young V&A

What is it? 

Previously Known as the V&A Museum of Childhood, the Young V&A  recently underwent a £13 million refurbishment project transforming this Bethnal Green institution into a bright, fun and creative spot that is home to one of the world’s finest collections of children’s toys, doll’s houses, games and costumes. 

It shines brighter than ever after extensive refurbishment, which has given it an impressive entrance and massively upgraded facilities. Part of the Victoria & Albert Museum, the museum has been amassing childhood-related objects since 1872 and continues to do so with ‘Incredibles’ figures complimenting bonkers 1970s puppets, Barbie Dolls and Victorian praxinoscopes. The museum has lots of hands-on stuff for kids dotted about the many cases of historic artefacts. Regular exhibitions are held upstairs, while the café helps to revive flagging grown-ups.

Why go? 

Named Art Fund Museum of the Year 2024,  Kids will be captivated by this homage to play filled with displays of toys and historical artefacts and interactive elements and play areas. It’s part-soft play, part-cultural experience.

Don’t miss: 

The Museum’s brilliant dolls’ house collection has been imaginatively displayed in the new renovation. Now you can walk between the houses and there are peepholes that offer views into eccentric living rooms full of optical illusions. 

When to visit: 

Daily 10am-5.45pm. Peak times at weekends and over the school holidays. 

Time Out tip: 

Need a change of scene? Bring your own food and hang out on the rhubarb and custard-hued cushions in the dazzling entrance hall. 

See more of London's best museums and discover more great days out for the little ones.