The Victoria and Albert Museum's new East Storehouse in London is redefining the traditional museum visit by granting the public direct access to over 250,000 objects, 350,000 books, and 1,000 archives from its extensive collection. Unlike conventional museums, visitors are encouraged to touch many items and can even book one-on-one "Order an Object" sessions with specific artifacts, including a 1954 Balenciaga gown or a Vivienne Westwood sweater.
Situated in the city's reimagined Olympic Park, 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. Designed by the firm behind New York's High Line, the building showcases oversized pieces like Picasso stage curtains and Mughal architecture. The site also will host the upcoming David Bowie Center.
Emphasising openness, the museum features displays on conservation work and allows viewing of staff activity, aligning with its mission to make the entire national collection accessible to everyone. This innovative approach challenges the traditional notion of museums as places where visitors are expected to remain silent and refrain from touching exhibits. By encouraging interaction, the V&A East Storehouse aims to foster a deeper connection between the public and the museum's vast array of artefacts.
The initiative also reflects a broader trend in the museum sector towards greater inclusivity and community engagement. By opening up its collections and allowing visitors to interact with objects in a more personal way, the V&A East Storehouse is setting a new standard for how museums can serve as accessible and interactive spaces for learning and cultural appreciation.
As the V&A East Storehouse continues to evolve, it is expected to inspire other institutions to reconsider their approaches to public engagement and access. The success of this model could lead to a reimagining of museum experiences worldwide, making cultural heritage more accessible and engaging for diverse audiences.
