V&A East Museum aims to bring the V&A collection to life in new ways, celebrating making in all its forms

It was a pleasure to attend the opening of the new V&A East Museum housed in a five storey building, designed by O’Donnell + Tuomey architects, on London’s new East Bank in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

The latest addition to this creative enclave (which also includes BBC Music Studios, London College of Fashion UAL, Sadler’s Wells East and V&A Storehouse) V&A East Museum was inspired by East London’s heritage and celebrates making and creativity’s power to bring change. The first major exhibition The Music is Black: A British Story reveals how black music has shaped British culture over the last 125 years. Take advantage of the headphones as you walk round the displays – including Stormzy’s 2019 Glastonbury vest designed by Banksy and Joan Armatrading’s childhood guitar – to enjoy a fantastic sound track that covers everything from gospel, through jazz to 2 tone and garage

There are a further two permanent Why We Make galleries, with over 500 objects from the V&A’s collection, and the overall impression of the place is youthful and vibrant, presenting pieces in a fresh, youthful way

Gus Casely-Hayford, V&A East director said, “Over 10 years in the making, we’re delighterd to open V&A East Museum a space created with and for our audiences, including young people and east londoners, in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Sister site to V&A East Storehouse, it’s part of East Bank and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic legacy. Everyone is welcome at V&A East Museum. From The Music is Black to our Why We Make galleries, new work commissions and live events and activities, we hope you see yourself, your stories and experiences represented here.”

Details of opening times and directions can be found here