Cartier Exhibition at the V&A Museum 2025 Dates, Tickets, & Highlights

Cartier Exhibition at the V&A Museum 2025 Dates, Tickets, & Highlights

If you appreciate luxury craftsmanship and timeless design, the Cartier exhibition at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is a must visit. Running from April 12, 2025, to November 16, 2025, this showcase features over 350 exquisite pieces, including historic watches, royal jewellery, and rare prototypes that defined Cartier’s legacy.

Why This Exhibition Matters to Watch Enthusiasts

A detailed close-up of a rose gold Cartier Santos watch, featuring its signature Roman numerals, blue sword-shaped hands, and a sapphire cabochon crown. The artistic composition includes a fragmented perspective on the left and a full view of the watch on the right, set against a geometric patterned background.
@IMAGE Credit Cartier

Cartier is more than just a jeweller it’s a pioneer in horology. This exhibition highlights Cartier’s role in shaping modern watch design, showcasing iconic timepieces such as:

The Cartier Tank

A symbol of timeless elegance, inspired by the Renault tanks of World War I. Worn by legends like Jackie Kennedy and Andy Warhol, it revolutionised rectangular watch designs.

The Santos de Cartier

Created in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, this was one of the first ever wristwatches, making watches more practical than pocket timepieces.

The Ballon Bleu & Panthère Collections

These modern classics blend luxury with Cartier’s signature design, appealing to collectors who appreciate contemporary elegance. Don’t miss early prototypes and archival sketches, which provide a rare glimpse into Cartier’s innovation in watchmaking.

Where is the Cartier Exhibition Taking Place?

A wide-angle view of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, showcasing its grand historic architecture with a mix of red brick and ornate stonework. The street in front is lined with trees, buses, and pedestrians, with a partly cloudy sky in the background
@IMAGE Credit V&A

Location: Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), South Kensington, London
Gallery: Sainsbury Gallery, V&A South Kensington
Address: Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL, UK

How to Get to the V&A Museum

A classic London Underground sign with a red circle and blue bar displaying the word 'Underground.' The sign is flanked by two black vintage-style street lamps. In the background, a curved white stone building with large windows lines the street, and two red double-decker buses pass by under a bright blue sky with scattered cloud

The V&A Museum is centrally located in South Kensington, making it easily accessible via public transport.

By London Underground (Tube)

  • Nearest station: South Kensington (Circle, District, and Piccadilly Lines)
  • Walking distance: 5-minute walk
  • Directions: Follow Exhibition Road straight to the museum entrance.

By Train

  • Victoria Station: 15 minutes via the Circle Line
  • Paddington Station: 20 minutes via Circle/District Line
  • King’s Cross St. Pancras: 30 minutes via Piccadilly Line

By Car or Taxi

Driving is not recommended due to limited parking and congestion charges.

  • Nearest car parks:
    • Union Car Parks - Harrington Road (10-minute walk)
    • Royal Garden Hotel Car Park (15-minute walk)

How to Buy Tickets for the Cartier Exhibition

  • General admission: £27 per adult
  • Discounted tickets: Available for students and seniors
  • Children under 12: Free entry
  • V&A Members: Free entry (no booking required)

Where to Book:

Tip: Tickets sell out quickly—pre-booking is highly recommended.

What to Expect Inside the Cartier Exhibition

A stunning Cartier bracelet featuring an intricate design of carved emeralds, rubies, and sapphires set in platinum and diamonds. The vibrant green, pink, and blue gemstones are shaped into delicate leaves and floral motifs, creating a luxurious and artistic masterpiece. The bracelet is displayed against a black background, highlighting its brilliance and craftsmanship
@IMAGE Credit V&A

This immersive experience takes visitors through Cartier’s history, design innovations, and legacy in horology. Key highlights include:

  • Royal Jewellery – Pieces worn by Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Grace of Monaco.
  • Archival Sketches – Rare, behind the scenes insights into Cartier’s design process.
  • Exclusive Cartier Watches & Clocks – Featuring early Tank models, rare complications, and custom commissions.

Pay close attention to early Cartier wristwatches—they influenced an entire generation of modern watchmaking!

What Else to Explore Near the V&A Museum

An evening view of Harrods, the iconic luxury department store in London, illuminated by thousands of golden lights outlining its historic architecture. The large 'Harrods' sign is prominently displayed on the corner of the building. Flags fly from the rooftop, and the surrounding streets feature passing cars and pedestrians under a dusky sky

After visiting the exhibition, explore these top spots:

  • Natural History Museum – Ideal for history buffs (5-minute walk)
  • Science Museum – A must-visit for innovation lovers (5-minute walk)
  • Harrods – One of the world’s most iconic luxury department stores (15-minute walk) with a fantastic watch section

Where to Eat Nearby

  • The Brompton Café – A stylish coffee spot inside the V&A Museum
  • The Ivy Kensington Brasserie – Upscale dining with a relaxed atmosphere

Why This Exhibition Is a Must See

For collectors, watch enthusiasts, and luxury lovers, the Cartier Exhibition at the V&A Museum is a rare opportunity to experience Cartier’s legendary craftsmanship in both watches and jewellery. Cartier’s influence spans horology, high jewellery, and fashion, making this event a deep dive into the evolution of style and precision engineering.

Secure your tickets early and immerse yourself in Cartier’s world of innovation and elegance.

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