The Victoria and Albert Museum in London feels different from other major museums. Maybe it's because you stumble upon a recreated medieval tomb one minute, then find yourself admiring contemporary fashion the next. Or perhaps it's simply the sheer scale of the place – with 145 galleries spread across what feels like an endless maze of corridors.

I've visited the V&A several times, and I'm still discovering new sections. The building itself tells a story, mixing Victorian grandeur with later additions that somehow work together. Founded in 1852 as the Museum of Manufactures, it was later renamed after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, which feels fitting given its location in what locals call "Albertopolis" – that cultural cluster in Kensington that includes the Natural History Museum and Royal Albert Hall.

What strikes me most is how eclectic everything is. You'll find ancient Islamic ceramics displayed near Art Nouveau furniture, or stumble into a room filled with plaster casts of famous sculptures from around the world. The fashion galleries are particularly impressive, showcasing everything from historical court dress to cutting-edge contemporary design. There's something oddly satisfying about seeing a 16th-century wedding dress next to a Vivienne Westwood creation.

The museum houses over 2.8 million objects, though obviously only a fraction are on display at any time. That's probably for the best – the place is already overwhelming. I've learned to pick specific areas to focus on rather than attempting the impossible task of seeing everything. The British Galleries are fascinating if you want to understand how design evolved alongside social changes, while the sculpture courts feel almost cathedral-like.

Being free to enter makes it easy to pop in for an hour or return multiple times. The crowds can be intense, especially on weekends, but there are always quieter corners to discover. Discover all the secrets of the Victoria and Albert Museum with our comprehensive London audio guide – it really helps navigate the labyrinthine layout and provides context that the basic signage sometimes lacks.

The V&A isn't flashy like some of London's other major attractions, but that's part of its appeal. It feels more like exploring someone's incredibly vast and varied collection than walking through a traditional museum.