The Young V&A is young in two ways; A: It’s about youngsters. Toys, puppets, and the design of objects, furniture, and clothes of children are the museums focus. B: It’s practically brand new! Well, sort of. The museum has been around for quite a while, but had been undergoing a major revamp over the last few years, with the “new” museum only (re)opening its doors this July.

Harboring fond memories of the museum from frequent childhood visits, I took my younger siblings there this past week to see what all the fuss over the new revamp was about. So, here’re my observations in the form of the usual museum guide:

What: As written above, the museum is all about youngsters and the joy of youth. Toys, puppets, and the design of objects, furniture, and clothes of children are the focuses.

Where: Cambridge Heath Road, just next to Bethnal Green Station

When: 10 am – 5:45 pm daily.

Who: This is where I have some criticism on the revamp. Where the original museum had something for everyone, with (predictably) tons to do for children of all ages, the new revamped museum has an unfortunate blind spot to older children. Whilst my four and five year old siblings were having a blast, the eight and nine year old were very easily bored (and they’re normally big museum kids). The interactive exhibits and toys are geared almost completely to younger children, whilst the displays on the history of toys, puppets, children’s clothes, and etc… are only interesting to an older crowd for the most part, able to appreciate the “know how” of it all, as well as the great nostalgia (remember those old speak’n’spells’s?).

How Long: If you’re an adult come to see the collections, an hour should be enough. For children the museum should hold enough to keep them entertained for 2 to 3 hours.

Interactivity: The museum is filled to the brim with interactive spots but like I said before these are almost exclusively geared at children aged say, under eight or so.

Accessibility: The new and improved museum has excellent accessibility for both wheelchairs and strollers. Wide walkways, ramps, and multiple lifts are prominent, with the only potential problem being the constant stream of children running all over.

Events: During the summer the Young V&A has a weekly family day on Fridays, and Storytelling Saturdays, both free. There’re also occasional workshops that can be found right here

Things to Note: If you’re going to the museum this summer expect it to be very, very, busy. There might even be a queue up to 45 minutes outside!! Being a “brand new” museum this is to be expected and it should calm down after the first holidays it’s been open for.