Victoria and Albert Museum, London

At Victoria and Albert Museum, see the world's largest decorative arts and design collection. The museum's 145 galleries span 51,000 sq m (12.5 acres), so you won't be able to see it all in a single visit. Look over a floor plan and decide which rooms interest you the most. You have 5,000 years worth of art to choose from, including ceramics, glass, textiles, ironwork, sculptures, furniture, photographs, and more, from all parts of the world. At 80,000 objects, the ceramics collection is the world's largest and features pieces by famous potters such as William De Morgan and Bernard Leach. In the British galleries, keep an eye out for Henry VIII's writing desk, which dates to 1525. The jewelry collection includes an emerald necklace that Napoleon gave to his adopted daughter, Hortense de Beauharnais, in 1806. Check the schedule of free tours and talks if you want to learn more about specific subjects. Take a look at our London travel itinerary planner to schedule your visit to Victoria and Albert Museum and learn about what else to see and do during your holiday.