CHANEL AT THE V&A: EVENTS WITH A PULL
Q: WHY IS HOSTING AN EVENT WITH A PULL SO KEY?
Nowadays, lives feel so busy, and people really cherish their personal time therefore ensuring you can get good attendance at an evening event is even harder than ever. It’s not always enough to have great food, wonderful drinks and brilliant company as crazy as that sounds. We find that securing a venue with a‘pull’,something with areal‘draw’to make that invite impossible to turn down, is a magic formula when combined with a brilliant menu, an exciting programme or an enticing space
EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO SOLD OUT EXHIBITION
This is such a draw to get guests fighting for a ticket to your event. A key example is the Chanel exhibition at the V&A upcoming this Autumn at the V&A SouthKensington.‘Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto.’launches at the V&A SouthKensington on the 16th September. Currently you have to enter a queue to book tickets and the first available slot, at the time of writing, is late November with seriously limited tickets and this is changing hourly!
To offer a private view of this exhibition at a time when it’s sold out for months from opening is a really special part of an event invite. When there’s an exhibition in town that sells out in this way there’s so much talk and press that guests will inevitably have heard about it and link that exclusivity with your event invite. We see such high attendance at events when this is the case–especially perfect for a client event where you want to guarantee attendance of key individuals. Top tip–stagger or delay entrance to the exhibition to secure key networking time ahead of the viewing
ADDING A UNIQUE ORDER TO AN EVENT EXPERIENCE
Creating the perfect formula for good guest attendance is a tricky challenge. We always recommend really considering your menu, the atmosphere, the flow and the guest journey but adding unique value is really what makes that invite pop and standout.When guests can see that they’ll have access not only to an exciting venue but perhaps a unique experience, it always grabs attention.If there’s an exhibition running or perhaps there’s an incredible history to the venue, adding a special curator or talk is so great. This could be anything from a historian discussing the incredible space the event is set within, a forager showing you the hidden treasures from the venue grounds through to an expert on a currently running exhibition. For example, with the upcoming Chanel exhibition at the V&A, Gabrielle Chanel. FashionManifesto. we are running events during this time period and also adding experienced curators who take small groups of up to 25 guests to talk through the exhibition and add extra details and information. Not only do guests then get to see an exhibition which is totally sold out, they get access to special, extra information which feels very exclusive.
Consider hosting in a unique space, not normally seen in that context.At the Golborne Collection we specialise at events in unique venues. We regularly work in spaces such as the V&A, Natural History Museum amongst others. Spaces like this have such a draw–guests feel very special to be able to access these spaces after hours, once the public have gone home. It doesn’t matter how long we have been working within our industry, we still pinch ourselves that we often find ourselves walking through galleries surrounded by priceless painting and artefacts, alone or with a small handful of people.It’s an unbeatable experience to host an event within venues like this. Hosting your event within a space like this absolutely increases attendance rates and we see this very clearly. Being able to have dinner in one of the most prestigious museums within London or attend during a sold-out exhibition such as the Chanel exhibition at the V&A feels super special and like an invite you just can’t turn down. At The Golborne Collection we work closely with our clients to ensure that their events are not only successful from a logistical perspective, but from an attendance one too.We can suggest great venues and have brilliant knowledge of the upcoming exhibitions within the capital which we know are likely to sell out. Securing event dates within venues like this is where we specialise so let us know your brief and we’ll find the perfect space to entice your guests in.
FAQs
We often get asked similar questions so we thought we'd finish this article with a little round-up of our most frequently asked questions about this venue.
How do I hire the V&A South Kensington for a private event?
The Victoria and Albert Museum is available for private hire for a variety of events. As one of the recommended event planners, The Golborne Collection can manage the full d booking process, from initial enquiry to final confirmation - ensuring your event aligns with the venue’s heritage and regulations.
What types of events can be held at the V&A Museum?
The V&A is perfect for elegant evening receptions, gala dinners, luxury brand launches, immersive cultural experiences, and weddings that require architectural grandeur and an iconic space. Events must align with the museum’s values and can only be hosted after-hours once the museum is closed to the public.
What is the guest capacity at the V&A South Kensington?
Depending on the gallery and configuration, the V&A can host intimate dinners for 50 guests or grand receptions for up to 600. The iconic spaces include Raphael Court, the Dome, and the secret courtyard, the John Madejski Garden - all of which have different atmospheres and capacities.
Is the V&A available for weddings and private parties?
Yes, the V&A is a stunning choice for weddings and private celebrations. With years of delivering events within the V&A, our experience at Golborne ensures a seamless planning experience, working within the museum’s access regulations and heritage protocols to deliver a spectacular event.
Can luxury brand events be held at the V&A Museum?
Absolutely. The V&A’s iconic status and cultural content make it ideal for brand launches, fashion presentations, and VIP client events. Golborne has extensive experience managing immersive brand experiences within this prestigious venue.
Are there restrictions when hosting an event at the V&A?
Yes, as a working museum and Grade I listed building, there are conservation and access restrictions. Golborne’s expertise ensures all creative and logistical aspects—from lighting to floral design—meet venue regulations without compromising on impact.
Does the V&A provide catering, or can we choose our own?
Catering must be selected from the museum’s approved supplier list. As your planning partner, Golborne will coordinate with experienced caterers to craft an exceptional menu aligned with your event vision and guest profile.
How much does it cost to hire the V&A for an event?
Hire fees vary depending on the gallery spaces used, event timing, and guest numbers. Golborne can advise on the best spaces to use for your guest numbers and event format. From there we can provide estimated costs and build a comprehensive budget during the planning phase.
Is it possible to incorporate museum exhibits into my event?
In some cases, yes. Select galleries and exhibitions may be opened exclusively for your guests during an event, offering a private, curated cultural experience. Golborne will liaise with V&A team to explore all experiential opportunities.
