Five things you might not know about the V&A

It’s not only rock stars that go on tour, their exhibitions do too. The V&A’s massively successful ‘David Bowie is…’ exhibition of 2013 has been taken all over the world, from Europe and the US to Australia and Japan. It was even turned into a film to be screened at cinemas.

The museum isn’t just about nice objects. The V&A’s fashion collection spans five centuries, from elaborate dresses worn at royal court to something an office worker would have commuted in during the 1960s. However the V&A holds other significant works, too, like a world class photography collection, amassed since 1852, it includes portraiture, street photography, early pioneering work and photographic art.

You can learn a lot here. Whether you join the free daily tours or sign up for year-long courses dedicated to art and design, the V&A is a school that’s serious about style.

You won’t hear ‘do not touch’ too often. At least not during the dedicated hands-on exhibits sessions for children. Ever taken the family to a museum and been terrified someone will smash something? These tours are for you.

The dust never settles. The V&A is a dynamic working museum that still has its eye on the ball. Their 'Rapid Response Collecting' displays reflect the latest trends and lifestyle obsessions – from five shades of a Christian Louboutin shoe to the latest funky toys.