After a £13m refurbishment, the Museum of Childhood in London is set to reopen as the Young V&A on July 1st, 2023. This is big news for museum enthusiasts and families alike, as the museum has been closed for several years to undergo renovations courtesy of the V&A.
The Museum of Childhood has always been a favorite among visitors due to its unique collection of toys, games, and childhood memorabilia. With the reopening of the Young V&A, visitors can expect to see a mix of old and new exhibits that showcase the evolution of childhood and play.
Key Takeaways
- The Museum of Childhood in London has undergone a £13m refurbishment and will reopen as the Young V&A on July 1st, 2023.
- The Young V&A will feature a mix of old and new exhibits that highlight the evolution of childhood and play.
- Visitors can expect to see a unique collection of toys, games, and childhood memorabilia at the Young V&A.
About the Refurbishment
The Young V&A museum is set to reopen after a refurbishment that began in 2018. The main focus of the refurbishment was to create an environment that would encourage children to take an interest in museums and learning. The museum enlisted the help of children in the redesign process to achieve this goal. The result is a colorful and childishly intuitive layout that will appeal to young visitors. Although there won’t be any chocolate fountains or candy-cane walls, the space will showcase an expanded collection of objects on display. The refurbishment aims to provide an immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
Old and New
The Museum of Childhood has recently undergone a revamp, with old displays being rearranged into three galleries: Imagine, Design, and Play. These themes aim to inspire children to get creative themselves. The museum‘s previous collections have been joined by new pieces from the V&A’s archives, including original Kermit the Frog and My Little Pony toys, micro scooters, and a Superman costume worn by Christopher Reeve.
Interactivity is a key feature of the museum, with sandpits and stages for children to play and get creative on. The museum also boasts a finger skateboard skate park, which is sure to excite visitors looking for a blast from the past. Additionally, there will be space for temporary exhibitions, with the first one set to open in October of this year. The exhibition will focus on the Japanese imagination through manga and animation, featuring lots of Pokemon and Studio Ghibli.
Overall, the revamped Museum of Childhood offers a unique and exciting experience for visitors of all ages, with a blend of old and new exhibits and interactive displays.
Young V&A: Practical Information
The Young V&A museum is a new addition to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, aimed at providing a space for younger visitors to engage with the museum’s collections. Here are some practical details for those planning a visit:
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL |
| Opening Hours | 10am – 5:45pm daily |
| [Admission | Free](https://londonlhr.online/are-museums-free-in-london-list/) |
| Age Range | Aimed at visitors aged 11-18, but open to all |
| Facilities | Café, shop, toilets, baby changing facilities, wheelchair accessibility |
| Collections | Focused on contemporary design and fashion, with a changing programme of exhibitions and events |
| Activities | Workshops, talks, tours, and other events aimed at engaging younger visitors with the collections |
| Booking | Some events require booking in advance, check the museum’s website for details |
Visitors to the Young V&A can expect a lively and engaging experience, with plenty of opportunities to explore and learn about contemporary design and fashion. The museum’s programme of events and activities is designed to appeal to a range of interests and abilities, and there is something for everyone to enjoy.