The newly opened V&A East Storehouse in London offers a revolutionary museum experience by giving the public direct access to over 250,000 objects, 350,000 books, and 1,000 archives from the Victoria and Albert Museum's extensive collection.
Unlike traditional museums, visitors can touch many items and 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.
