Victoria Miro — Attraction in London

The gallery is good. The staff however ..

I unintentionally crossed a boundary and touched a piece. This was my mistake, and I own it. A nearby curator intervened. This curator was extremely hostile in his tone, addressing me as though I were a troublemaker or vandal rather than a well-meaning art lover who had made an innocent mistake. Sadly things only escalated from there.

Realising my error, I immediately complied with his commands to stop touching the piece and step back over the line. I then apologised, but told him that I took issue with his tone. What happened next ultimately left me speechless. Ignoring my feedback, he continued to admonish me, explaining with hostility why galleries have lines around their art, how serious it would be if the art were damaged, and so on. His entire approach was one of mistrust and contempt; I was made to feel like a hoodlum intent on causing trouble. Furthermore, his explanation about the art was patronising and unnecessary; I’m quite sure almost everyone knows why there are lines around artwork. Moreover, I hadn’t questioned why I had been told off, only why he needed to be so aggressive about it. Towards the end of our confrontation, I could barely articulate myself, such was my surprise at being spoken to as I was. The curator stared into my eyes and spat challenges at me to the effect of, “What are you going to do now? Will you go and look at the rest of the gallery or do I have to call security?” Hardly what I would call a proportional response. I was dumbstruck; I could not believe I was being threatened with security. I told him we should leave it there. As I was walking away he sarcastically called to me to “Enjoy the gallery.”

Needless to say I did not enjoy the gallery. I left immediately, feeling embarrassed, upset, and threatened.

When I was sixteen I worked part-time at a supermarket. Even at that age my colleagues and I understood how a customer-facing professionals are supposed to deal with difficult clients. It does not entail hostile confrontation, escalation, provocation, patronising lectures, aggressive challenges, and sarcasm. I would hardly describe my actions as those of a difficult client, but the curator, rather than acting as a customer-facing professional, came across more like a surly bouncer at a rough nightclub.

I wrote a letter of complaint to the gallery. The delayed response amounted to "I'm sorry you felt that way," and, "The curator says that his experience of what happened was different to what you have explained." Quelle surprise! I suppose that's case closed then.

The experience of both the curator and the response ruined my opinion of the VM. I will forever associate it with a hostile environment policed by contemptuous staff overseen by an indifferent Director. Don't believe me? Check some of the other reviews here. Just don't ask the curator, he'll have a different...

Visited to see the Paula Rego exhibition. Set over two floors and separate buildings, linked by a very picturesque patio area with large pond complete with ducks. Unusual space that has interest in its own right. Not all areas are open for disabled visitors, as far as I could see, so best Check before visiting. Didn't use restroom so can't comment on their suitability. There was a lift in the 2nd building that takes you to the top floor gallery. Strangely the invigilator, on the day we visited, directed us to the stairs which were very steep and long and may not be manageable by some. The exhibition was very interesting, though quite dark in content, which may go along with the artists life if I recall. There wasn't any write up in the public space about the artists works, that I could see, which would have added extra interest. Still a quirky gallery space in a central part of London close to lots of coffee shops, bars, restaurants etc. June 6 2025 - Visited the 40th anniversary show at the gallery. Very eclectic mix of work showing one work from a selection of artists who have been part of the galleries shows over the years. The work was interesting though overall it did not gel as a collection of work. Very much worth seeing though and the gallery is still spread over two buildings with plenty of space for the artwork to breathe. Staff were incredibly helpful and getting geared up for the London Art...

Went to see the Yayoi Kusama exhibition EVERY DAY I PRAY FOR LOVE and it didn't disappoint. The work is so endearing, playful and thought-provoking. And of course the Infinity Mirrored Room was spectacular. I realise it's a popular exhibition but I think people should have 1 minute to enjoy it with their own group or by themselves if alone... rather than with 5 strangers...it was a little awkward trying to enjoy the small space fully and I feel people would be happy with less time but more privacy. The Paradox Museum certainly offer that with their zero Gravity space...just a thought!

The Ladder to Heaven and Bronze sculptures in the garden were a delightful surprise! What a beautiful space for visitors.

I also stumbled upon the Moving Landscapes exhibition by Jules de Balincourt and absolutely loved his work too so don't limit yourself to just one of the exhibitions.

The staff were all wonderful. I'd read negative reviews specifically about staff but all the encounters I had were with staff who were willing to help guide and direct and who were polite and welcoming so I will definitely be back and can't wait to see other exhibitions in the future!

Edit: Both exhibitions were free which was incredible. Thank you for making the works of such amazing artists accessible to all. It was a breath...