What year was the Victoria & Albert Museum founded?
1852
Initially established as a Museum of Manufactures with objects from the Great Exhibition of 1851.
In what year did Queen Victoria lay the foundation stone of the Cromwell Road wing?
1899
This wing was completed in 1909 and marked the renaming of the museum.
Who was the architect of the Cromwell Road entrance hall?
Aston Webb
He also designed Admiralty Arch and the Victoria memorial layout in front of Buckingham Palace.
What is the Chihuli Chandelier made from?
American glass
Created by Dale Chihuli, it has been hanging in the entrance rotunda since 1999.
What style is Giambologna’s ‘Samson slaying a Philistine’ from?
Renaissance
This work is the earliest great marble group by Giambologna and was commissioned by Francesco de Medici.
The British Galleries reflect new ideas from which continent?
Europe
Changes in economy allowed for increased domestic comfort and the influence of Renaissance styles.
What material is the Henry VII Bust made of?
Terracotta
It reflects the influence of international craftsmen in England during the 15th century.
What is the significance of the Great Bed of Ware?
Mentioned in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night
It features inlaid exotic woods and strapwork ornamentation from the Netherlands.
What are the Raphael Cartoons designed for?
Tapestries for the Sistine Chapel
Commissioned by Pope Leo X in 1515, they depict the Acts of St Peter and St Paul.
What is the Ardabil Carpet known for?
One of the most beautiful and largest Persian carpets
Made in 1539-40, it was acquired in 1893 and is displayed in the Jameel Gallery.
The Nehru Gallery of Indian Art highlights trade with which company?
Honourable East India Company
It had a monopoly on trade from the far east for over 200 years.
What is Tipu’s Tiger associated with?
Gold and rock crystal tiger’s head at Windsor Castle
It links to the wealth and artistry of the Mughal Empire.
Who created the sculpture ‘Theseus & the Minotaur’?
Canova
This was his first major work for his patron Girolamo Zulian in Rome.
What is the Hereford Cathedral Screen known for?
A grand achievement of modern architectural art
It was a star exhibit of the second Great Exhibition in 1862.
What is the Armada Jewel associated with?
Gold portrait of Queen Elizabeth I
It is part of the Jewellery Gallery designed by architect Eva Jiricna.
What is the Cast Courts known for?
Quality and quantity of casts
Opened in 1873, they are a rare survival in the museum world.
What is the significance of the Renaissance Courtyard?
Reference to the First Great Exhibition of 1851
It features a pediment pointing to this historical event.
What type of guide books are recommended for the museum?
- V&A A Hundred Highlights
- The British Galleries
The first was published in 1996 and subsequent editions are useful.
What are the opening times for the Science Museum?
10am – 6pm (last admission 45min before)
You must book an online free ticket for entry, either in advance or on the day, subject to availability.
What is the cost of self-service lockers at the Science Museum?
- £3
- £5
- £7
The cost depends on the size of the locker.
What are the food options available at the Science Museum?
- The Energy Café: hot meals, sandwiches, wraps, cakes
- The Diner: pizza, chips, salads, cakes
The Energy Café operates daily from 10am to 5.30pm, while The Diner has different hours on weekdays and weekends.
In what year did the South Kensington Museum open?
1857
It was later split into the V&A and the Science Museum.
What significant event occurred in 1851 related to the Science Museum?
Profits of the 1851 Great Exhibition were used to buy 87 acres in South Kensington
This laid the foundation for the establishment of the museum.
What is the oldest steam engine in the Science Museum?
Old Bess (1777)
It was used to keep the water wheel running at the Soho Manufactory in Birmingham.
