By the looks of things, the V&A is going to present an entirely new (and giant) way of showing off historic and cultural items at their brand-new East London Storehouse, which is (finally) opening this week on Saturday, May 31.
Over half a million works across every creative discipline are being opened up for the public to view at the V&A East Storehouse. The collection is truly dizzying in scope. One minute you could be checking out the Glastonbury Festival archive and Sex Pistols items, and the next you’ll be checking out Roman frescoes and eyeing up Samurai swords.
We got the chance to take a look inside before it opens to the public:
V&A East Storehouse
Like its name suggests, the layout of the free museum is very much like a storage space, just not like one you will have seen before. Instead of the usual clutter, it gives off a feeling of perfectly organised, succinct chaos. There are four floors in an open space, which will allow visitors to move between one discipline and the next, and view the mini-curated displays. Taking up the space of 30+ basketball courts, it’s instantly a must-visit to gaze at pieces from its collection of 250,000 objects, 350,000 library books, and almost 1,000 archives.
One of the main attractions that is coming to the V&A East Storehouse in its early days is the David Bowie Centre, which is set to welcome visitors for a glimpse at the items in the Starman’s archive from September 13. But once you’re done looking at the world of Ziggy, you’ll also be able to clap eyes upon PJ Harvey and Elton John’s costumes; Samurai swords; vintage football shirts; Roman frescoes; Dior and Schiaparelli haute couture; Mid-Century furniture; and much more.
In a forward-thinking new system, the V&A storehouse will give anyone the ability to use their seven-day-a-week Order An Object service, which will allow people to book to see any item they would like on any day they wish, meaning everyone has access to the space. It’s described as a working store space that lets users also delve into the meaning behind collecting items and how they are cared for – all in a relaxed space that holds creative workshops, events, and activities all year round.
And this is just the start! The storehouse is only the first of two new V&A East sites that have been planned. V&A East Museum is due to land in spring 2026, promising a space that works alongside young people and is rooted in the area’s heritage.
📍 V&A East Storehouse, 2 Parkes Street, Stratford Cross, E20 3AX. The nearest stations are Stratford and Hackney Wick.