This iconic Grade II listed building boasts a large, central area on the ground floor, an impressive statement spiral kaleidoscope staircase, balconies overlooking the space below and a high, arched ceiling,
A branch of the Victoria and Albert Museum, Young V&A houses the nation's collection of toys. The 2023 redisplay, by London-based practice AOC Architecture, sees the museum’s permanent collection divided into three themed galleries: play, imagine and design. Additions include a mini theatre complete with stage lights and a dress-up room, an arcade with vintage and modern games including Minecraft and Dungeons & Dragons, a Town Square rebuilt in Minecraft, and the extensive collection of doll’s houses is laid out on a street that matches the layout of the streets outside.
The main prefabricated iron structure was originally a temporary building for the V&A in South Kensington by Charles Young & Co in 1856. It was moved to its current site in the 1860s, where it was encased in a brickwork exterior designed by James Wild with a mosaic frieze representing agriculture, art and science on the exterior from a design by FW Moody. A new front entrance was designed by Caruso St John and added in 2006. Statues include a cast iron version of John Bell's The Eagle Slayer.