The Victoria and Albert Museum's new V&A East Storehouse in London is redefining the traditional museum visit by offering unprecedented public access to its vast collection. Located in the city's revitalised Olympic Park, the Storehouse provides direct engagement with over 250,000 objects, 350,000 books, and 1,000 archives. Visitors are encouraged to touch many items and can even book one-on-one "Order an Object" sessions with specific artifacts, such as a 1954 Balenciaga gown or a Vivienne Westwood sweater.
Designed by the firm behind New York's High Line, the building features oversized pieces like Picasso stage curtains and Mughal architecture. The Storehouse is part of a larger cultural district developed after the 2012 Games, aiming to engage local communities and promote transparency in museum practices. The site will also host the upcoming David Bowie Center.
Emphasising openness, the museum showcases displays on conservation work and allows visitors to view staff activities, aligning with its mission to make the entire national collection accessible to everyone. This innovative approach marks a significant shift in how museums interact with the public, fostering a more inclusive and interactive environment.
The V&A East Storehouse's commitment to accessibility and community engagement sets a new standard for museums worldwide, encouraging other institutions to reconsider their approaches to public interaction and collection display.
As the Storehouse continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to its mission of making art and history accessible to all, ensuring that visitors of all ages and backgrounds can connect with the rich tapestry of human creativity and achievement.
