Museum-Goers Encouraged to Handle Exhibits in Interactive Display Area
Beginning May 31, the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London will open a new museum-grade storage facility, transformed into an exhibition and research space called V&A East Storehouse. After a decade of planning, this project seeks to revolutionize the traditional museum experience by offering visitors an unprecedented close-up view and even the opportunity to touch select historical and culturally significant pieces.
Spread over four massive floors, the V&A East Storehouse houses over 250,000 objects, traversing a broad range of themes, mediums, and time periods. Visitors can witness ancient Roman frescoes, an early 14th-century painting by Simone Martini, avant-garde fashion designs from Schiaparelli, Comme des Garçons, and Vivienne Westwood, and much more.
The open-access approach reverses common museum practices of roping off exhibits, creating a novel museum experience where objects are usually admired from afar. Georgina Haseldine, senior curator at the V&A East Storehouse, remarked on this unique opportunity, stating that the objective is to educate the public about the inner workings of a collection, storage, and the collaboration between curators, conservators, and technical service teams.
Notably, the space includes a 20-meter-high central hall designed by American interdisciplinary studio Diller Scofidio + Renfro. With rows of metal shelves housing an assortment of artworks, furniture, mannequins, and more, visitors may peek up or down from upper floors. The Storehouse's vast inventory, consisting of only 3% of a museum's collection typically on display, may leave one feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of items on display.
Elizabeth Diller, co-founding partner at Diller Scofidio + Renfro, noted at the Storehouse's opening that the hidden 97% of collections are generally stored away in basements or warehouses, and the proportion only diminishes over time as museums accumulate more and more collections. At the V&A, thousands of artefacts previously held in deep storage will finally bask in the light, with some works, such as the awe-inspiring Altamira ceiling, being showcased for the first time in decades.
Indeed, the V&A's eclectic collection, including suits of armors, stage cloths, biscuit tins, building fragments, puppets, thimbles, chandeliers, motorcycles, and more, finds itself resembling a 16th-century cabinet of curiosities. In an innovative display approach, items across medium, time periods, and geographical locations are placed next to each other, inviting visitors to create their own connections between the diverse exhibits.
Initially, touching the artifacts is not entirely allowed. However, those eager to handle centuries-old objects can book a slot at the Storehouse's on-site Research Center, where invigilators and conservationists are available to teach proper handling methods for culturally significant works. The online booking portal has been open since May 13, with increasing curiosity from the public, including researchers, brides-to-be seeking wedding dress inspiration, and avid fans interested in a 1957 Cristobal Balenciaga gown.
In addition to climate control maintaining a consistent temperature and humidity, the V&A's conservation team has implemented robust measures to secure exhibits, including tie-downs and securing items to viewing tables for visitors' safe enjoyment. They emphasize that these national collections belong to the public and are committed to providing access, enhancing the connection between people and their shared cultural heritage.
- The V&A East Storehouse, featuring its vast collection spanning home-and-garden items, fashion designs, and more, transforms the conventional museum experience, inviting visitors to explore a lifestyle inspired by history.
- To further deepen the connection between visitors and the rich cultural heritage, the V&A offers an immersive experience at its Research Center, where one can appreciate the tactile elements of objects, including centuries-old furniture and textiles, thereby enriching their home-and-garden knowledge.
