Everything you need to know about the brilliant new Young V&A museum
Zoe Craig
Associate Editor (Local)The Young V&A is finally here. After a £13m revamp, the East London museum, formerly known as the V&A Museum of Childhood is back.
Around 22,000 children have contributed to creating and designed the new Young V&A, the first ever major museum by children, for children.
We went along to find out everything you need to know about the new Young V&A.
Where is the Young V&A?
The Young V&A is on Cambridge Road in Bethnal Green, in the beautiful old Museum of Childhood building.
The nearest tube station is Bethnal Green; you can also catch the 106, 254, 388 and D6 buses.
What’s inside the new Young V&A?
The brand new museum is a space where kids, young people and families can play, imagine and design; be inspired, explore and get creative.
The Young V&A contains three permanent galleries, each geared towards different age groups, called Play; Imagine; and Design.
There will also be changing exhibitions in a fourth space. This will open in October 2023 with an exhibition dedicated to Japan: Myths to Manga.
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My kid is under 5. Which part of Young V&A shall I take them to?
Under 5s will LOVE the sensory delights in the Play gallery’s Mini Museum, at the back on the right hand side as you enter the museum. The Mini Museum is an inspiring soft play space, more beautiful than any soft play space you’ve ever seen before!
There are sparkling lights, tunnels to wriggle through, steps to climb on, and objects to explore. Parents and carers will love looking at the retro and modern toys dotted in display cases around the walls (Kermit the Frog and retro sticklebricks caught my attention!)
What else can I find in the Young V&A Play gallery?
Further into the Play gallery, over 5s will love building with huge blocks; creating a giant magnetic marble run; and creating their own boardgames.
Look out, too, for The Arcade, where you can giggle at ‘ancient’ computer games, learn more about online gaming and play a little Minecraft.
What about the Imagine Gallery?
This was by far the favourite space for me and my kids.
Set out like a giant, walk-through You Choose book, the Young V&A’s Imagine gallery sparked so many ideas and emotions in our family. We loved creating a story with a landscape, transport, heroes, companions and more.
Rachel Whiteread’s glorious installation of dolls’ houses is such a wonderful way to show off this gorgeous collection.
Both my kids loved exploring all the different homes in the Imagine Gallery’s Street; the interactive elements really appealed to them. I had to drag my daughter away from playing with one dolls’ house with a slide in the garden! Don’t miss the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ lair, hidden down below knee level...
What is there for older kids at the Young V&A?
The Design Gallery, upstairs, has been created with 11-14 year olds in mind; but still had plenty to inspire my 9 year old.
We learnt about scooter design, sustainability, coding, prosthetics, and looked at the properties of many different materials that go into the process of creating everyday objects. And there were lots of interactive elements upstairs too, for both my children to enjoy.
I think this would be a really stimulating place for older kids choosing their GCSE options and those who want to know more about the world of design and technology.
Is there a cafe at the Young V&A?
Yes. At the foot of the glorious spiral staircase in the ‘Town Square’, you’ll find the ‘Town Square Cafe’ run by Benugo and a few tables and chairs.
The cafe serves hot and cold meals, cakes and pastries, teas and coffee. Kids can choose items to make up a ‘meal box’.
Can you bring your own food to the Young V&A?
You’re also welcome to eat your own packed lunches in this space; or in the Common Room during weekends and school holidays.
There’s also loads of space for picnics in the grounds and the neighbouring Museums Gardens.
Is there a shop at the Young V&A?
Yes! The shop is now at the front, and features pocket-money toys like badges, pencils and puzzles as well as gorgeous books, beautiful craft sets and cuddly toys.
Is there anywhere for kids who get overwhelmed by busy spaces to go and chill out at the Young V&A?
Happily, yes. It was very busy on the day we visited the Young V&A, but I was really impressed to see how many cosy nooks, benches and quieter spaces have been designed into displays and the fabric of the building.
It was quieter upstairs on the day we visited. There’s also a dedicated ‘Reading Room’ on the lower ground floor offering a quiet, calming space for anyone who may need a break from sensory stimulation.
What's happening at the Young V&A this summer?
- Storytelling Saturdays: Join Story Explorers, Arkem Mark Walton and Laura Sampson as they use objects from Young V&A's collection to tell original stories every Saturday during the summer holidays. Until 2 Sep
- Summer Family Fridays: Free family activities every Friday. Step onto the Stage and have a go at creating your own adventure story, take on a design challenge in the Open Studio, and discover playful activities in the Portal Trust Community Room. Until 1 Sep
- Open Studio: Explore the world of design by responding to a series of creative challenges. Explore material, sketch, and model ideas inspired by objects and projects across the museum. Until 3 Sep
We loved the new Young V&A
We LOVED the amazing new Young V&A museum, and would heartily recommend it to anyone visiting London with their family this summer.
You cannot fail to be inspired, entertained and delighted by this new museum, designed by and for kids. Imagine if museums for grown-ups could be this much fun too!
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