Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of one of the world’s most extensive and captivating cultural collections. The highly anticipated V&A East Storehouse, set to open its doors on May 31, 2025, in London’s vibrant Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, promises an unparalleled experience for art enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious minds alike. This groundbreaking cultural hub, spanning an impressive four floors and 30 basketball courts, will grant visitors unprecedented access to the V&A’s vast archives, showcasing an astounding 250,000 objects, 350,000 library books, and nearly 1,000 archives.
Unveiling the Hidden Wonders
Step behind the scenes and witness the intricate workings of a world-renowned museum like never before. As Tim Reeve, the deputy director of the V&A, explains, the storehouse is “fundamentally different to the way any museum has thought about its non-display collections.” Visitors will have the extraordinary opportunity to explore the collections hub, likened to an “Amazon warehouse for the V&A collection,” completely free of charge and without the need for prior booking.
Immerse yourself in the realm of curators, technicians, and conservators as you wander through the vast rows of furniture and priceless artifacts. Marvel at the exquisite marble sculpture Sleeping Nymph by Antonio Canova, delve into the intricacies of textiles and fashion at the Clothworkers’ Centre, and gaze upon the magnificent Torrijos ceiling from the Altamira Palace in Spain.
Unveiling Bowie’s Legacy
One of the most eagerly anticipated features of the V&A East Storehouse is the David Bowie Centre, a dedicated space that will house the iconic musician’s personal archive. Acquired following the resounding success of the 2013 exhibition “David Bowie Is,” which shattered records as the fastest-selling event in the institution’s history, this exclusive collection will provide researchers and fans alike with unrivaled insights into the life and work of one of Britain’s most influential cultural figures.
It’s going to be called the David Bowie Centre, it will have a different design treatment to maybe some of the other archives but it’s there for researchers and the creation of new knowledge about one of the greatest Brits of all time.
– Tim Reeve, Deputy Director of the V&A
Accessible and Engaging
The V&A East Storehouse aims to revolutionize the way visitors interact with museum collections. Through the innovative “order an object” system, guests will have the unique opportunity to request almost any item from the vast collection to examine up close. Whether you’re a student working on a GCSE artwork or a seasoned researcher delving into the intricacies of design history, the storehouse promises an inclusive and engaging experience for all.
Enhancing the visitor experience, the space will feature 100 “mini-curated displays,” showcasing items from the collections of renowned fashion designer Imane Ayissi and artist Xanthe Somers, among others. These carefully crafted exhibits will offer a glimpse into the breadth and depth of the V&A’s holdings, sparking curiosity and inspiring further exploration.
A Cultural Landmark
The opening of the V&A East Storehouse marks a significant milestone in London’s cultural landscape. As Mayor Sadiq Khan eloquently states, the storehouse will be a “wonderful addition to our capital’s cultural landscape,” while Arts Minister Chris Bryant emphasizes the government’s commitment to improving access to the UK’s cultural assets for people from all backgrounds.
With more of our national collections on display, its unique and personalized experience will allow more people to better understand the rich heritage of our country.
– Chris Bryant, Arts Minister
The V&A East Storehouse, with its unparalleled access to vast archives and collections, promises to be a cultural landmark that will captivate and inspire visitors for generations to come. As the doors prepare to open on May 31, 2025, the anticipation grows for what promises to be an extraordinary journey into the heart of art, history, and human creativity.
Mark your calendars and prepare to embark on an unforgettable adventure at the V&A East Storehouse, where the hidden wonders of the world’s cultural heritage await your discovery.
