Cartier at the V&A Exhibition Guide 2025

Cartier has landed at the V&A. Jewels fit for royalty, icons worn by legends, and craftsmanship that shaped the very idea of luxury. This isn’t just another exhibition in London. It’s the cultural event of the year. Here’s everything you need to know before you step inside, and how to make sure your arrival is as polished as the diamonds on display.

• Location: Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2RL
• Dates: 12 April 2025 to 16 November 2025
• Opening hours: Daily 10:00–17:45, Fridays until 22:00
• Tickets: Tickets are now sold out. V&A members can still visit by booking in advance.
• Time to allow: Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours for the exhibition.
• Getting There: Closest Tube is South Kensington, or arrive in style with an OUNO London chauffeur

Few names define timeless elegance like Cartier. For more than 175 years, the house has created tiaras for monarchs, statement pieces for Hollywood stars, and designs that shaped the modern jewellery market. From Love bracelets to Panthère brooches, Cartier has always stood at the intersection of luxury and innovation.

The V&A is the perfect setting. Known for curating the world’s finest design and decorative arts, the museum gives Cartier the stage it deserves. Unlike smaller showcases, this is a comprehensive exploration of history, heritage, and artistry, with access to rarely seen archive pieces that have never left the vault until now.

This isn’t a display of jewellery. It’s a journey through cultural history, told in diamonds, emeralds, and gold. Here are some of the star attractions that make the Cartier exhibition unmissable:

Expect crowns, tiaras, and ceremonial regalia commissioned for European monarchs. Cartier’s royal connections stretch back more than a century, and many of these pieces have only ever been seen at coronations and royal portraits.

Cartier became the jeweller of choice for stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, and Maria Félix. Some of their most famous red-carpet pieces are on display, complete with the stories behind how they came to own them.

Look beyond the sparkle and you’ll find technical brilliance. Cartier perfected the “mystery clock,” developed invisible gemstone settings, and pioneered daring new gemstone cuts. This section gives you a glimpse into the workshops where innovation met artistry.

From the Panthère, which became a house symbol in the 20th century, to the globally recognised Love bracelet and Tank watch, Cartier’s modern classics are showcased with the same reverence as their royal commissions.

Perhaps most exciting are the archives. Sketches, prototypes, and experimental designs pulled straight from the Cartier vault give a rare insight into the brand’s evolution.

Among the more than 350 objects on display, here are some of the showstoppers drawing global attention:

• Princess Margaret’s Rose Brooch (Cartier London, 1938) – diamond-encrusted floral design from the Cartier Collection.
• The Manchester Tiara (Cartier Paris, 1903) – an early example of Cartier’s mastery of royal commissions.
• The Patiala Necklace (Cartier Paris, 1928) – once owned by the Maharaja of Patiala, restored in 1999–2002, set with hundreds of diamonds and a yellow diamond centrepiece.
• The Crash Watch (Cartier London, 1967) – a surreal, distorted design that became one of Cartier’s most famous watches.
• The Panthère Collection – including the 1949 Panthère clip brooch created for the Duke of Windsor, plus the 1978 diamond and onyx panther bangle.
• Mystery Clock (Model A, Cartier Paris, 1914) – a “see-through” clock design that cemented Cartier’s reputation for technical innovation.
• Modern Jewels – contemporary designs from 2017–2024, including colourful gemstone necklaces and rings.

Before you plan your visit, here are the essential details to make sure your Cartier experience at the V&A is smooth, stress-free, and unforgettable:

Dates & Duration: 12 April 2025 to 16 November 2025. Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours for the exhibition.

Location: Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2RL.

Opening Hours: Daily 10:00–17:45, with Friday late opening until 22:00.

Tickets: Tickets are now sold out. V&A members can still see the exhibition by booking in advance.

How Long to Spend: Plan for 90 minutes to 2 hours inside the exhibition to take it all in.

To get the best experience, aim for a weekday morning or late afternoon slot. Weekends can be crowded, especially during school holidays.

South Kensington is a cultural district worth lingering in. Beyond the Cartier exhibition, you’re steps away from the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, and only a short walk from Harrods.

And if you’re planning to make a day of it, here’s what we’d recommend for food and drink nearby:

• Claude Bosi at Bibendum – a two Michelin-starred French institution inside the historic Michelin House.
• Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at the Mandarin Oriental – modern takes on historic British dishes in an elegant setting overlooking Hyde Park.
• Zuma – contemporary Japanese dining with a lively bar scene in Knightsbridge.
• The Aubrey at the Mandarin Oriental – a glamorous izakaya-inspired bar serving inventive cocktails late into the night.

For the full experience, think about pairing Cartier with an evening in the West End or a late dinner reservation at one of Mayfair’s finest.

Related article: London Fashion Week Chauffeur Service

The V&A sits in one of London’s busiest districts. Parking is limited and traffic in South Kensington is rarely forgiving. Public transport can get you close, but it doesn’t exactly set the tone for a luxury day out.

With OUNO, your journey becomes part of the experience:

• Door-to-Door Convenience: Pick-up at your home, hotel, or office. Drop-off right outside the V&A entrance.
• Executive Fleet: Choose from Mercedes S-Class, V-Class, or the EQS electric.
• Transparent Pricing: Fixed-fare quotes, no surge pricing, no surprises.
• Professional Chauffeurs: Suited, discreet, and punctual.

Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with a group of friends, a chauffeur-driven car is the elegant way to arrive. Your chauffeur waits while you explore, so you can enjoy the exhibition without checking the clock.

Related article: London Chauffeur Service Cost

When does the Cartier exhibition at the V&A run?
The exhibition runs from 12 April 2025 until 16 November 2025 at the V&A South Kensington.

Are tickets still available?
Tickets are now sold out to the general public. However, V&A members can still book entry while spaces remain.

Where is the V&A Museum located?
Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2RL.

Is there a dress code for the Cartier exhibition?
There’s no official dress code, but many visitors opt for smart or stylish attire in keeping with the glamour of the exhibition.

What’s the best way to travel to the V&A?
The closest Underground station is South Kensington, served by the District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines. For a seamless, luxury journey, OUNO’s London chauffeur service offers door-to-door convenience with no parking or traffic stress.

Can I take photos inside the Cartier exhibition?
Photography rules vary depending on the gallery. Always check signage or confirm with museum staff before taking photos.

Are guided tours or audio guides available?
Yes, the V&A provides audio guides and occasional curator-led tours for major exhibitions, including Cartier.

Cartier represents timeless luxury. So does OUNO. When your destination is filled with crowns, diamonds, and icons of design, your journey deserves the same standard.

Book your London chauffeur today and get your fixed-fare quote in 90 seconds. Arrive at the V&A in style, depart in comfort, and make every part of the day unforgettable.