Brief Description
In 2001 a major renovation programme was launched, which has included re-landscaping of the central court garden, named the John Madejski Garden after its benefactor. Opened in 2005, it has a formal layout, with an elliptical water feature that can be drained so the area can be used for events.
History
The Victoria & Albert Museum, now the largest museum of decorative arts and design, has its origins in 1836 and was established here as the South Kensington Museum in 1857, on part of the site of the Great Exhibition of 1851. As its collections grew, museum buildings were added and by 1883 formed a quadrangle surrounding a central courtyard garden. In 1890 a competition for new museum buildings was launched, which created the new main façade on Cromwell Road. The foundation stone was laid in 1899, and it was on this occasion that the museum's name changed to the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Visitor Facilities
The museum is open daily 10am-5.45pm (late night - 10pm on Fridays).- Access & Directions
Access Contact Details
The museum is open daily 10am-5.45pm (late night - 10pm on Fridays).Directions
Tube: Gloucester Road, South Kensington (District, Circle, Piccadilly). Bus: 14, 49, 70, 74, 345, 360, 414, 430, C1
- Associated People
Just one person associated to John Madejski Garden at the Victoria & Albert Museum
- References
Contributors
London Parks and Gardens Trust