The Victoria and Albert Museum's new V&A East Storehouse in London is transforming the traditional museum experience 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.
Located 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 traditional museum norms by fostering a more interactive and inclusive environment for visitors.
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. By breaking down barriers between artifacts and visitors, the museum aims to create a more personal and meaningful connection to art and history.
As the V&A East Storehouse continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to its mission of inclusivity and transparency, offering a model for future museum developments that prioritise public access and engagement. Its innovative approach is poised to inspire a global shift in how museums interact with their audiences, making art and history more accessible and relatable to all.
