Overview

This is a review specifically for the Chanel exhibition only, which is on until 25 February 2024. The exhibition is in the Sainsbury Gallery. The exhibition is very accessible and staff were amazingly helpful.

Transport & Parking

The nearest tube station South Kensington is not step free on any of its lines. There are a number of buses that stop outside or near to the V and A.

Access

Very accessible. I arrived via the Cromwell Road entrance, which has a step free, permanent ramp. There is excellent step free access throughout the building via ramps and lifts. I used one of the V and A manual wheelchairs to get about, as my knee went on my way there. As someone who only occasionally uses a wheelchair the 2 things I had difficultly with were the part of the exhibition were there was carpet on the floor, which made it very hard to push, and some of the joints connecting one room surface with another. The labelling of the exhibition was excellent as it at a good height to easily read while sitting in a wheelchair. The exhibition is large and spacious. However, if I had been using my crutch, I would have struggled with the lack of seating in the exhibition.

Toilets

I used the accessible toilet by the Cromwell Road entrance and it was spacious with grab rails and emergency cord. Toilet was clean, tidy and well maintained.

Staff

I wish I could give a higher score for the staff as they were truly exceptional. On my way to the V and A my knee went and I knew I would struggle walking round with my crutch. So when I arrived I went to the information desk in Cromwell Road and spoke to Rowan. He was amazingly helpful. He checked to see if there was a spare wheelchair and brought it over to me. Then he wheeled me to the cloakroom as I had to leave my crutch there, and then he wheeled me over to the entrance of the exhibition. He asked me how I was and he then arranged and waited for Moira, a volunteer, to come and she helped me around. I found the steering the wheelchair quite difficult at times (I don't have the upper body strength) and on those occasions she helped by pushing me if I go stuck on the carpet or the joints connecting the different rooms. She was extremely pleasant, chatted to me about the exhibition. Stayed with me throughout and left me only when we had got back to the cloakroom by Cromwell Road. This was exceptional. I did not expect to get this level of care and assistance at any venue, particularly when it had not been pre-booked. A huge, huge thank you to Rowan and Moira for their assistance, support and help. Nothing was too much trouble for them. It meant that I was able to visit the exhibition without worrying about my knee going again half way around or having to stand in pain. It was so very, very much appreciated. V and A your staff are a credit to you.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

The exhibition was excellent as always at the V and A. The costumes on display were gorgeous to see up close. It is engaging and informative. Loved the stunning room with all the Chanel suits displayed with a graduation of colours. Thank you V and A. Yet again you highlight what exceptional customer care and disability awareness is. It is always a real treat to visit you.

Photos