In a grand Victorian building on Bethnal Green in East London, the V&A Children’s Museum houses one of the best collections of children’s toys and games in the world.
The permanent collections display antique dolls and dollhouses, puppets, toy figures, teddy bears, vehicles, and construction toys.
The exhibits are spread over four floors; the mezzanine and first floor form a balcony around the edge of the building that allows you to look over the central hallway on the ground floor with its shop, information desk and Café Benugo.
Children are encouraged to have fun here, so it is not a quiet place. Children’s safety is paramount and a staff member remains by the front door at all times. Also, please note the “Code of Conduct” warnings: children under 12 must be supervised by an adult; do not eat in the galleries; and not run
Toy displays are displayed in glass cabinets, but there are plenty of low-end items for younger children to view. When you or the kids need some quiet time, there are sofas at each end of the first floor with reading books available.
First floor highlights
- Dollhouses from the 1700s
- Covered beach (large sand pit)
- Victorian stroller
- Soft play area for children under 3 years old
- Dress up clothes
The Mezzanine has simple interactive displays, like peep shows and spinning tops.
Mezzanine highlights
- Rolls Royce pedal car
- Rocking horses that you can ride
- Touch screens to display even more toys
- Robbie the Robot: turn his key to wind him and (if you do it right) he comes to life
- Railway model (20 coins are needed to operate)
- Magnetic iron filings ‘paint’ chart
- Sensory pod: textures, lights, etc.
- Handcrafted corner
Benugo coffee
This coffee has the best Earl Gray tea I’ve had since having afternoon tea at The Lanesborough! Hot and cold meals are available for children and adults and there are plenty of highchairs for young visitors.
Pros de V & A Museum of Childhood:
- free pass
- There’s a buggy park in the lobby
- Regular free activities for kids
- Wheelchair accessible and AV screens are equipped with an induction loop sound enhancement system
- Lovely tea and coffee!
Cons:
- It can be hot inside
Opening hours
Open every day
The museum is closed on December 25 and 26 and January 1 of each year.
Admission
Entrance to the museum is free. There may be a small charge for some activities.
Contact details
Address: V & A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA
Official website: www.vam.ac.uk/moc/
nearest tube station: Bethnal Green (central line)
Use Trip Planner to plan your route on public transport.
