Order an Object

Our free Order an Object service gives you access to:

Watch the video below to see what an appointment may involve:

1. Find your object(s)

Use Explore the Collections to search for objects that are available to view by appointment.

2. Add object(s) to your crate

Add objects to your crate using the 'Order this Object' button. (Note: if ordering more than one object, you will need to make sure they are located at the same venue; either V&A East Storehouse or V&A South Kensington.)

3. Book a free appointment

Select a date and time for your visit. (You are able to bring a guest.) Tell us if you have any accessibility requirements or expectations.

4. See the objects in person

A member of the Collections Access team will support your visit and show you how to interact with the objects safely.

How do I find objects to order?

Adding and booking objects

Any object with an 'Order this Object' button is bookable as part of the Order an Object service.

Any 'View by appointment' items without this button are not part of the Order an Object service. They can be requested to view in the National Art Library or Prints and Drawings Study Room. Details of how to do this can be found on the specific object page.

How to add objects to your list

Once you are happy with your selection, you can book your appointment from your list page.

Picking an appointment time

Appointments range from 1 to 4 hours.

Factor in 15 minutes for us to brief you on how to interact with them safely.

If you want to see a few objects, it may be best to book a longer duration. If these objects are large, complex or detailed, it may not be possible to see everything in one appointment.

Bringing a guest

You can bring one guest to your appointment.

If you or your guest have any accessibility requirements or would like to bring anything to your appointment, let us know when you book.

Bringing a child

A child, whatever their age, counts as your guest. When you book an appointment, we ask for the full name of your guest. If you don’t want to give the child’s full name, you can give your name and include the word ‘child’ afterwards.

If you are bringing a buggy or additional items, tell us when you book so we can make sure there is enough space.

Children aged 16 or over can use the service unaccompanied.

Accessibility: bringing a companion

If you are disabled, a companion can join in addition to a guest. Tell us they are coming when you book so we can make sure there is enough space.

Read more about accessibility requirements and information.

You can order objects at V&A South Kensington, at V&A East Storehouse in Hackney Wick, East London and at The David Bowie Centre (which is situated in the V&A East Storehouse building).

Your Order an Object appointment will either take place in a Study Centre or within the stores where the object is located.

Read our visiting tips to understand the rules and guidance ahead of your visit.

You will get much closer to your objects than in our galleries.

Before your appointment, your objects will be assessed. This includes looking at their fragility, any hazards or security requirements and if they are safe to handle.

At your appointment, a member of staff will explain how to interact with your objects safely. Read our handling guidance for information on handling.

In addition to our Order an Object service, you can also join an Object Encounter.

Object Encounters are free group sessions highlighting different objects in Storehouse. They run multiple times a day at V&A East Storehouse.

Find out what’s happening on the noticeboard in the Welcome Space in V&A East Storehouse. Sign up at the Study Centre on level 2.

If you have a question which isn't covered in our visiting tips, email us on orderanobject@vam.ac.uk.

There are different ways to arrange a group visit depending on your group.

Find out about school bookings.

For corporate visits, email development@vam.ac.uk.

If you want to ask about a group booking for any other reason, email orderanobject@vam.ac.uk.