V&A East Storehouse Unveils A New Era Of Cultural Accessibility
Photo: The Princess of Wales engages in a lively and cheerful conversation during her visit to the newly opened V&A East Storehouse, set in the heart of London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Revolutionising Museum Experiences Through Innovation And Design
The V&A East Storehouse redefines how everyone interacts with art, featuring rare artifacts, cutting-edge accessibility, and bold architecture in London’s East Bank cultural district.
By Martin Banks
It has been more than a decade in the making, but London’s latest cultural marvel, the V&A East Storehouse, has finally thrown open its doors to the public. Located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, this eagerly awaited attraction is a part of East Bank, London’s new cultural and educational district.
Spanning 16,000 square meters—an area larger than 30 basketball courts—this architectural gem was designed by the globally renowned firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro. It occupies a significant portion of the former London 2012 Olympics Media and Broadcast Centre, transforming it into a hub of creativity and accessibility.
The V&A East Storehouse invites visitors on a new journey through more than 250,000 artifacts, 350,000 books, and 1,000 archival treasures. Described as a “dynamic working museum,” the Storehouse allows people to explore items spanning every conceivable creative discipline—fashion, theatre, sculpture, streetwear, and more.
Deputy Director and COO of the V&A, Tim Reeve, describes this ambitious project as a “completely new cultural experience.” Visitors can delve deep into collections in ways never before possible, with features like the revolutionary ‘order an object’ service that lets the public request specific artifacts for free, seven days a week. Highlights include a 1954 pink silk taffeta evening gown by Cristóbal Balenciaga, Leigh Bowery’s avant-garde costumes, and even 14th-century ceramics from Iran.
The central Weston Collections Hall offers stunning views of the Storehouse’s four levels, with over 100 curated mini displays interwoven into its design. In the same space, six large-scale works anchor the collection, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Kaufmann Office from the 1930s, a gilded 15th-century Spanish ceiling, and the world’s largest Picasso artwork—the Ballets Russes stage cloth from 1924.
“To celebrate the heterogeneity of the V&A’s collection, visitors will experience a sense of being immersed in a vast cabinet of curiosities,” explains Elizabeth Diller, co-founder of Diller Scofidio + Renfro. “This is neither warehouse nor museum, but rather a hybrid that fosters expanded opportunities for access and exchange.”
Beyond the artifacts, the Storehouse seeks to inspire creativity. Whether through the artistry of museum technicians, behind-the-scenes conservation work, or new research, the space is alive with discovery. Sir Chris Bryant, UK Museums Minister, praised the innovative approach, saying the attraction offers “a massive treasure trove of art, design, and performance history in ways never seen before.”
And the excitement does not stop there. This September, the David Bowie Centre for the Study of Performing Arts opens on the same site, offering free access to the music legend’s archive. Spanning iconic costumes, handwritten lyrics, and personal items, the exhibit promises to draw tens of thousands of fans and solidify Stratford as a must-visit destination.
V&A East is also preparing for the spring 2026 unveiling of its second cultural destination, the V&A East Museum. Designed to celebrate creativity’s transformative power, the museum will spotlight innovations shaping global culture, with a focus on engaging young minds.
Located in Stratford, one of London’s fastest-growing areas, this cultural gem is well-poised to boost local businesses, strengthen tourism, and revitalize the neighborhood. The presence of hotels like Hyatt Regency London Stratford and Hyatt House London Stratford ensures visitors have luxury accommodations just steps away, making the district an ideal overnight destination within the capital.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan described the project as a “groundbreaking museum experience” set against the vibrant backdrop of East London. “It’s helping us ensure London stays the creative capital of the world,” he said.
The V&A East Storehouse is a testament to innovation, accessibility, and the enduring power of art and culture to transform communities. For history buffs, music enthusiasts, or simply curious minds, this striking new institution promises an unforgettable, immersive experience.
