Date Night – Friday Lates at V&A Museum

February 27, 2012

I‘ve mentioned before how amazing it is that museums across London are free to the public. I know the Smithsonian Museums in DC are the same, but the volume and variety in London allows a tourist to spend countless hours soaking up some of the best of art, culture, science and history, while venturing across different boroughs of the city.

If you think museum hopping is just for school groups, think again. Late night openings at museums and galleries are all the rage among the young professional set. Many museums host their Late night on Friday or Saturday night, allowing patrons to begin their weekend with a cultural injection. What’s not to like about checking out a new exhibition with friends – and often with drinks, music and special evening activities?

Last Friday, we ventured to the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington- London’s museum of decorative arts. The V&A is open until 10:00pm every Friday night and offers evening talks, themed tours and music events.  Most special is the last Friday of the month - Friday Late -  the contemporary event night.

Each V&A Friday Late offers a different theme, highlighting a different collection each month. February’s  theme was Bright Young Things – in honor of the English photographer Cecil Beaton and the current exhibition of his portraits of Queen Elizabeth II. The museum is still free admission, but the whole experience is amplified. For this evening, guests could follow a scavenger hunt through the museum, participate  in prop/accessory making workshops, create “Beaton-esque” fashion illustrations, and pose for photos in a high glamour 20′s style studio. Those opting out of the hand-on activities might prefer to simply enjoy the full bar and Jazz music in the grand entrance, or listen to one of several talks and lectures.

Scavenger Hunt

Cocktails this way!

Photo Prop Making - fancy tiara & headbands

I was massively surprised at how thoughtful and engaging the whole experience was. We could easily have stayed until 10pm was it not for our rumbling stomachs. Next month, I’ll be sure to have a late afternoon snack so I can spend more time soaking up the experience. Have I convinced you to join me?

Join us next month?

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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Jenna February 28, 2012 at 2:10 AM

I’m convinced. This looks like so much fun! I can’t wait to attend.

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Ashley @ Hop Skip Jump February 28, 2012 at 12:38 PM

Im in!

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