Tiara, Cartier London, 1937. Aquamarine, diamonds and platinum. Vincent Wulveryck, Collection Cartier © Cartier
We’re incredibly lucky to have the Victoria & Albert Museum as our neighborhood museum. Located in South Kensington, just a short stroll from many of our vacation rentals, the V&A is a place we return to again and again – for inspiration, beauty and the joy of discovering something new. Thanks to its free general admission, it’s easy to pop in for a quick visit or a peaceful break in the fountain courtyard. When the museum hosts one of its major special exhibitions, we make a point of seeing them as they’re always exceptional.
We’ve been counting down to the landmark Cartier exhibition, which is on now through November 16, 2025. After visiting recently, we can say it absolutely lives up to the anticipation. If you’re planning a trip to London this year, this is a cultural highlight you won’t want to miss!
Tiaras on view at Cartier at the V&A (© Victoria and Albert Museum, London)
Inside the Cartier Exhibition
This gorgeous exhibition celebrates the creative legacy of Cartier with over 350 incredible pieces, including historic tiaras, iconic watches, high jewelry commissions and more. It’s a breathtaking display of craftsmanship, innovation and enduring style. There’s Grace Kelly’s engagement ring, the striking Crash wristwatch and even the magnificent Patiala necklace made for a Maharaja. Everywhere you look, there’s something that stops you in your tracks.
Curated by Helen Molesworth with jewelry editor Rachel Garrahan, the exhibition design is a work of art in its own right, created by renowned British designer Asif Khan. As he explains, “I wanted this exhibition to evoke a world, crossing time, senses, and cultures. Cartier’s creations are suspended in textural landscapes, cloudscapes, light and sound, allowing history to breathe and the future to linger.” That intention is felt in every detail. The lighting, layout and flow of each room create a sense of calm and almost reverence, encouraging you to slow down and fully take in the artistry of what’s on display.
Cartier at the V&A (© Victoria and Albert Museum, London)
The exhibition opens with a look at the founding of Maison Cartier, offering a glimpse into its early years. Archival photographs, handwritten letters and family documents introduce us to the three brothers—Louis, Pierre and Jacques Cartier—whose vision and creativity would shape a legacy. This historical grounding makes the journey ahead all the more meaningful, especially when encountering early pieces like the dazzling Manchester Tiara, which is given pride of place in its own elegant setting.
Head ornament, New York, about 1924. Installation view of Cartier at the V&A (© Victoria and Albert Museum, London)
As you move through the exhibition, you begin to see how Cartier drew inspiration from far beyond Paris. One of the most interesting rooms traces design influences from Egypt, India, China and Japan. Here, the exhibition pairs the original cultural references—such as a fragment of a Japanese screen or Indian miniature painting—side by side with the Cartier pieces they inspired. Seeing the transformation from idea to final jewel is extraordinary, and it gives you a whole new appreciation for the Maison’s global perspective and fascination with other traditions.
Throughout, the exhibition highlights the vital role of Cartier’s clients in shaping its designs. Since so many commissions were made with specific individuals in mind, each piece has a story. As you peer into the displays, there is so much more than just an object to discover. Each piece is a window into another time, another life. Every section feels like opening one of Cartier’s iconic red boxes to find a treasure waiting inside.
Panther bangle. Cartier at the V&A (© Victoria and Albert Museum, London)
If you’re fascinated by craftsmanship, there’s an entire section dedicated to Cartier’s iconic panther motif, including a video that documents the painstaking process behind each creation. It’s mesmerizing to watch and makes it impossible to look at them the same way as before. A gallery of Cartier’s mystery clocks is equally spellbinding, as are the intricate wristwatches and the Maison’s enduring connection to Hollywood. Glamorous film stills play alongside the real jewels that graced the stars.
Installation view of Cartier at the V&A (© Victoria and Albert Museum, London)
And just when you think the exhibition has revealed its final surprise, you turn a corner and find yourself in a room entirely devoted to tiaras. The display is luminous, almost surreal with dozens of sparkling creations suspended as if midair. It’s a suitably dazzling finale!
Installation of tiaras. Cartier at the V&A (© Victoria and Albert Museum, London)
Plan Your Visit
Cartier is already one of the most talked-about exhibitions in London this season – and for good reason. Tickets are booking up quickly, especially on weekends, so we highly recommend reserving well in advance. One of the joys of staying in our Kensington and South Kensington vacation rentals is having the V&A just around the corner. You can visit in the quiet morning hours or even return for a second look.
If you’re a lover of design, fashion, jewelry or simply extraordinary beauty, make sure to see Cartier during your London stay. It’s a glittering celebration of creativity and craftsmanship – and a truly unforgettable experience!
