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.
Emphasizing 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 passive observers, encouraging a more interactive and personal engagement with art and history.
The V&A East Storehouse is set to open in May 2025, offering a unique opportunity for the public to connect with the museum's vast collection in a way that has never been possible before. This initiative reflects a broader trend in the museum world towards greater accessibility and community involvement, aiming to make cultural institutions more inclusive and engaging for diverse audiences.
As the opening date approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be a groundbreaking addition to London's cultural landscape. The V&A East Storehouse is poised to set a new standard for museum experiences, blending education, engagement, and accessibility in a way that resonates with the needs and interests of contemporary visitors.
