The V&A East Museum has hit a major construction milestone, topping out in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. V&A East is part of East Bank and includes the V&A East Storehouse.
Designed by architects O’Donnell + Tuomey and built by MACE, the V&A East Museum is due to open in 2025. Covering 7,000 square metres, the V&A East Museum has reached its full height of 42.5 metres.
Construction on the five-storey museum started in August 2019. The institution will feature spaces for socialising and relaxing, as well as major exhibitions, festivals, immersive installations, live performances, pop-ups and events.
The main exhibition hall will present thematic shows, while two collection galleries will feature live activations and displays. The top floor features an installation and events space, and amenities include a café, shop and three outdoor terraces.
“Topping out on V&A East Museum is a major milestone for the V&A – representing one of the most exciting pieces of contemporary design that we have ever commissioned,” said Claire McKeown, V&A East project director.
V&A East Museum’s steel skeleton complete
“Internally the building design balances the needs of our collection and visitors, limiting daylight in areas that will be occupied by our objects, whilst flooding the welcome and circulation spaces with light.”
“We have an exciting few years ahead, as we complete the installation on the pre-cast façade panels and windows, and drive forward our vision for the interior and gallery fit-out, ready to welcome our first V&A East visitors in 2025.”
“V&A East Museum’s steel skeleton, with all its complex geometry, is now complete,” said John Tuomey. “The concrete panels, with all their lines and shadows, are being carefully assembled on site.”
“The topping out of the structure marks the moment when we can begin to see some flesh on the bone,” he added. “Not far to go now!”
The V&A East Museum has been designed and constructed with sustainability in mind, with features including photovoltaic panels and planting on the roof and terraces to encourage biodiversity. Â
Images: V&A
