VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM

The V&A is the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design, with a permanent collection of 4.5 million objects. A standout venue for after-hours hire is the Dome, an awe-inspiring classical hall beneath a swirling glass light installation by Dale Chihuly. Elegant dinner-dances can be held here for 250 people.

The Raphael gallery can be hired for 400-person galas against a backdrop of stunning Renaissance art, and aperitifs can be laid on in the Dorothy and Michael Hintze sculpture galleries. These look on to the John Madejski garden, which can accommodate up to 600 people for an al fresco drinks reception. The central feature of the garden is an oval water feature that can function as a paddling pool in hot weather or be drained to create a meeting or exhibition area. Smaller groups of 40 to 140 guests can be held in the Morris and Gamble rooms – the latter features ceramic tiles and pretty stained-glass windows.

Knightsbridge; vam.ac.uk