In pictures: V&A's architecture gallery

1 of 8 The Victoria & Albert Museum in London opens the country's first permanent architecture gallery on Thursday. It features 180 exhibits from around the world and across the ages.

2 of 8 This Corinthian capital from The Pantheon, Rome, dating from 120-125 AD, is one of the oldest exhibits.

3 of 8 This isometric drawing of St Paul's Cathedral from the 1920s is shown as part of the gallery's aim to educate vistors about architecture.

4 of 8 This model is of the original "beehive" terminal building at Gatwick Airport in Sussex.

5 of 8 This model of a 1930s detached house, Doll's House by Mr Theobald, also features in the exhibition.

6 of 8 Modern architecture features as well - such as this model of a section of the Eden Project in Cornwall.

7 of 8 Kent's distinctive Bluewater shopping centre is represented by this model of the site.

8 of 8 The new gallery opens to the public on Thursday, along with study rooms. Its first exhibition, The Art of Architecture, opens at the same time.