The Victoria and Albert Museum's new East Storehouse in London is redefining the traditional museum visit by granting the public unprecedented access to its vast collection. Located in the city's revitalised Olympic Park, the Storehouse houses over 250,000 objects, 350,000 books, and 1,000 archives, many of which have never been displayed before. Visitors can touch and interact with numerous items, including a 1954 Balenciaga gown and a Vivienne Westwood sweater, and even book one-on-one "Order an Object" sessions to explore specific artifacts in detail.
This innovative approach aims to engage local communities and promote transparency in museum practices. Designed by the firm behind New York's High Line, the building features oversized pieces like Picasso stage curtains and Mughal architecture, creating a dynamic and immersive environment. The Storehouse is also set to host the upcoming David Bowie Center, further enhancing its cultural significance.
The V&A East Storehouse is part of a broader initiative to make the museum's extensive national collection accessible to everyone. By allowing visitors to touch and interact with artifacts, the museum seeks to foster a deeper connection between the public and the objects, moving away from the traditional "do not touch" policy that often creates a barrier between the audience and the art.
This shift reflects a growing trend in the museum sector towards inclusivity and community engagement. By opening up their collections and allowing for more interactive experiences, institutions like the V&A are working to make art and culture more accessible and relatable to a wider audience.
The V&A East Storehouse is now open to the public, offering a unique and hands-on museum experience that challenges traditional norms and invites visitors to explore art and history in a more personal and engaging way.
