One of the annoying things about too many contemporary museums is that, having ditched old-fashioned closely typed descriptive labels and display cases, they often seem to be pitched at the level of a 12-year-old. So it’s refreshing to go to a museum that really is for 12-year-olds – or, at least, babies to 14-year-olds. Three cheers for the Young V&A, formerly the Museum of Childhood. It’s a combination of museum and playground, with an engaging Alice in Wonderland feel to it.
A 1930s Whiteladies art deco dolls’ house is complete with a swimming pool and a party going on inside
The £13 million refurbishment of the old museum includes letting in roof light to the big central hall with its fine Victorian mosaic floor; the benches around it have jolly foam cushions that small children can play with. That sets the tone: this is designed for children, partly by children.
It is loosely divided by the themes of Play, Imagine and Design.
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