V&A Storehouse opens at Here East, Stratford

Last week. we had the incredible opportunity to visit the new V&A Storehouse.

Located at Here East, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, this storehouse is a must-visit for anyone interested in art, history, and culture.

Occupying four levels and covering 16,000m², the storehouse is home to over 250,000 objects, 350,000 books, and 1,000 archives from the V&A’s renowned collection.

The Storehouse presents an innovative museum concept, combining a working collection store with a public experience, allowing us to explore the V&A’s extensive holdings of various items across various creative disciplines, including fashion, theatre, sculpture, design, streetwear, and music.

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by the friendly and knowledgeable staff who made us feel right at home. The storehouse itself is an impressive space, designed by the renowned architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro with support from Austin-Smith:Lord. The modern architecture blends seamlessly with the historic artifacts it houses, creating a truly immersive experience.

Truly a treasure trove of art and design, spanning over 5000 years of human creativity., the collection includes everything from tiny pins used to secure a 17th-century ruff to a two-storey section of a maisonette flat from the Robin Hood Gardens housing estate. We were particularly captivated by the Kaufmann Office, the only complete Frank Lloyd Wright interior outside of the US, and the spectacular 15th-century gilded wooden ceiling from the Torrijos Palace in Toledo, Spain.

You can see conservators at work on various items, from paintings to puppets with:

Pop-up Displays and Workshops: The storehouse hosts pop-up displays, creative workshops, performances, and screenings.

Object Encounters: Daily drop-in sessions led by staff and visiting experts spotlight different aspects of the collection.

Order an Object Experience: You can book in advance to see any object on-site up close, with handling staff available to assist.

The V&A Storehouse offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a new adventure, this storehouse is a must-visit. We can't wait to return and explore more of the incredible collection.

The museum welcomes walk-ins so no booking is required! For more information, you can viist the V&A’s website here.

Have you visited the V&A Storehouse yet? We'd love to hear about your experience in the comments below!