V&A East is part of East Bank, a culture and education quarter in London’s Stratford. The new development includes a five-storey museum (V&A East Museum) and a collection a research centre (V&A East Storehouse).
The V&A East Museum was originally due to open in 2023. It was previously delayed until 2024 and is now expected to open in spring 2025. Fortunately, V&A East Storehouse is on track to launch in 2024.
Gus Casely-Hayford, director of V&A East, has unveiled further details about the “new creative campus and social space” in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
V&A East reveals first acquisitions
“V&A East will build on the V&A’s long-standing heritage in east London and founding mission to make the arts accessible to all,” said Casely-Hayford.
He added: “We are shaping a new creative campus and social space, and by working closely in partnership with our local communities, will highlight the cultural dynamism, youth and creativity of east London.
“We want to amplify the role museums play as a platform for discovery, hope and conversation in our rapidly changing world, to help foster the next generation of Alexander McQueens.”
The V&A East Museum’s first acquisitions include a portrait by artist Kehinde Wiley, a dress by designer Molly Goddard, and a ceramic vessel by artist Ranti Bam.
Construction underway on V&A East sites
Additional acquisitions for the attraction include photographic prints by photographer Jamie Hawkesworth and a glazed ceramic frieze by artist Mawuena Kattah.
The institution will take a non-linear approach to storytelling, putting historical objects alongside contemporary works. V&A East will work to create opportunities for young people and present a diverse range of perspectives.
“Construction is well underway on both V&A East sites, with the assembly of the steel frame at V&A East Museum, and the formation of the unique public spaces at V&A East Storehouse,” said Tim Reeve, V&A deputy director and COO.
He added: “Together, they will open up the national collections in ways never possible before, enabling us to reach new audiences in one of the most creative and culturally diverse parts of the UK.”
Images: V&A
