Why it’s best in the west of town
THE V&A SCOOPS THE TITLE AS BEST MUSEUM IN THE UK (AND THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM COMES FOURTH)
THE Victoria and Albert (V&A) has been named best museum in the UK, and among Europe’s finest.
It was voted the best in the country in the Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Award, with the neighbouring Natural History Museum (NHM) placed fourth.
The two South Kensington museums also make it in the top 25 in European, with London securing five places in the list – higher than any other city.
The museums were voted for by tourists themselves, with the findings released on Wednesday September 20.
As well as voting two Kensington museums in the top five in the country, six London museums made it into the UK top 10.
In Europe, the Musee d’Orsay topped the poll, with V&A listed fifth and NHM 14th.
Tim Reeve, deputy director at the V&A, said: “We are honoured to receive the UK Museum of the Year award, as rated by Trip Advisor’s travellers.
“2017 has been an exciting year for the V&A, with innovative and popular exhibitions and the opening of the V&A Exhibition Road Quarter; the biggest architectural intervention at the museum in over 100 years.
“This summer we had our two busiest months in the museum’s history.”
Top five UK Museums, according to Trip Advisor 1) The Victoria and Albert Museum
Cromwell Road, South Kensington
Housing more than two million objects from the world of art and design, spanning 5000 years in the creative industries.
The museum regularly holds exciting exhibitions – such as its world-famous David Bowie tribute – and has plenty of art and fashion to be discovered.
It’s becoming more popular than ever , with deputy director Tim Reeve revealing that this summer proved to be the two busiest months in the museum’s history.
Admission price: Free
2) National Gallery
Trafalgar Square, London
Overlooking London’s iconic Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery continues to draw in crowds of art lovers from all over the world thanks to its seriously impressive collection on paintings.
The gallery has more than 2,300 pieces on display dating as far back as the mid-13th century, not to mention there are always plenty of brilliant exhibitions on too.
Admission price: Free
3) British Museum
Great London Street, Holborn
Step back into Ancient Egypt, marvel at artwork from around the world or learn all about the vast history of different empires in this free museum; basically, the British Museum is the ideal hotspot for culture vultures.
Then of course there’s the building’s stunning architecture too – the Great Court is definitely worth a visit.
Admission price: Free
4) Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road, South Kensington
Unsurprisingly, this museum takes you through a journey where you discover all the best parts of the natural world.
The dinosaur exhibitions are particularly thrilling - especially for kids - but there are also plenty of other animals waiting to be discovered from long gone eras.
Make sure to check out ‘Hope’ the giant blue whale skeleton that graces the entrance hall in Dippy the Dinosaur’s absence!
Admission price: Free
5) Churchill War Rooms
Clive Steps, King Charles, Westminster
History enthusiasts should head to this secret World War II bunker-turned-museum where you can learn all about the life and legacy of Winston Churchill. Discover the cabinet war rooms and find out more about how the iconic politician led Britain to victory in the Second World War.
Admission price: Adult tickets from £19, child tickets from £9.50.