Our free Order an Object service gives you access to:
- pick any stored objects to see
- choose when to view them
- visit your objects in our stores
Watch the video below to see what an appointment may involve:
How it works
1. Find your object(s)
Explore objects available to view by appointment. Use the search or filters.
2. Add object(s) to your list
Pick objects with a 'Order this Object' button. They all need to be located at the same venue, either V&A East Storehouse or V&A South Kensington.
3. Book a free appointment
Choose when to visit and if you are bringing a guest. Tell us any accessibility requirements or expectations for your appointment when you book.
4. See your objects in person
A member of the Collection Access team will support your visit and show you how to interact with your objects safely.
Finding objects and booking tips
Finding the right objects for you
- search Explore the Collections. Try searching a subject, theme, artist or maker.
- use the 'view by appointment' toggle
- filter by venue (V&A East Storehouse or V&A South Kensington)
Adding and booking objects
Any object with a 'Order this Object' button is bookable as part of the Order an Object service.
Any 'view by appointment' items without this button are not part of the Order an Object service. They can be requested to view in the National Art Library or Prints and Drawings Study Room. Details of how to do this is on their object page.
How to add objects to your list
- click on the 'Order this Object' button
- add a maximum of 5 objects from the same venue
Once you are happy with your selection, you can book your appointment from your list page.
Picking an appointment time
Appointments range from 1 to 4 hours.
Factor in 15 minutes for us to brief you on how to interact with them safely.
If you want to see a few objects, it may be best to book a longer duration. If these objects are large, complex or detailed, it may not be possible to see everything in one appointment.
Bringing a guest
You can bring one guest to your appointment.
If you or your guest have any accessibility requirements or would like to bring anything to your appointment, let us know when you book.
Bringing a child
A child, whatever their age, counts as your guest. When you book an appointment, we ask for the full name of your guest. If you don’t want to give the child’s full name, you can give your name and include the word ‘child’ afterwards.
If you are bringing a buggy or additional items, tell us when you book so we can make sure there is enough space.
Children aged 16 or over can use the service unaccompanied.
Accessibility: bringing a companion
If you are disabled, a companion can join in addition to a guest. Tell us they are coming when you book so we can make sure there is enough space.
What to expect
Your appointment will take place within our stores at either V&A East Storehouse or V&A South Kensington depending on the objects you've booked.
Read our visiting tips to understand the rules and guidance ahead of your visit.
About our venues
V&A East Storehouse
V&A East Storehouse is a unique new museum experience that opens up the V&A collection to everyone. It is a working facility and you will see and hear staff working around you.
Your Order an Object appointment will take place in the Study Centre or within the stores where the object is located.
V&A South Kensington
V&A South Kensington is a world of extraordinary global creativity, set in one of London’s most iconic buildings, with a collection spanning 5,000 years, and unmissable exhibitions and experiences for all.
Our stores spaces are behind the scenes and staff will be working around you.
How close to the objects will I be?
You will get much closer to your objects than in our galleries.
Before your appointment, your objects will be assessed. This includes looking at their fragility, any hazards or security requirements and if they are safe to handle.
At your appointment, a member of staff will explain how to interact with your objects safely. Read our handling guidance for information on handling.
Object Encounters
In addition to our Order an Object service, you can also join an Object Encounter.
Object Encounters are free group sessions highlighting different objects in Storehouse. They run multiple times a day at V&A East Storehouse.
How to join an Object Encounter
Find out what’s happening on the noticeboard in the Welcome Space in V&A East Storehouse. Sign up at the Study Centre on level 2.
Contact us
If you have a question which isn't covered in our visiting tips, email us on [email protected].
Group appointments
There are different ways to arrange a group visit depending on your group.
Find out about school bookings.
For corporate visits, email [email protected].
If you want to ask about a group booking for any other reason, email [email protected].