Sackler Courtyard, Modern entrance courtyard at Victoria and Albert Museum, London, United Kingdom.
The Sackler Courtyard is a modern entrance space at the Victoria and Albert Museum that spans a large open area. The ground is entirely covered with handmade ceramic tiles that create a unified surface from edge to edge.
The courtyard opened in 2017 as part of a major renewal of the museum site, marking a turning point in how the building presents itself. The project brought together the museum and contemporary architects to reconnect the institution with its surroundings.
The courtyard reflects the museum's deep engagement with ceramic arts, visible in every detail of its design. Visitors encounter this connection to craftsmanship as they pass through on their way inside.
The space features viewing points that look down into the performance venue below, which can help you get your bearings. The tiled floor can become slippery when wet, so wearing shoes with good grip is advisable.
This was among the first public spaces to be entirely paved with ceramic tiles while serving a practical purpose. The tiles were developed to provide natural slip-resistance without requiring additional surface treatments.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
