The Victoria and Albert Museum ( often abbreviated as the V&A ) in London is the world 's largest museum of applied art ( decorative arts and design ) . The Victoria and Albert Museum ( often abbreviated as the V&A ) , set in the South Kensington district of The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea , London , England , is the world 's largest museum of decorative arts and design , housing a permanent collection of over 4.5 million objects .