Expansive Warehouse of V&A East Revealed to Public
In London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) has opened a groundbreaking museum facility known as the V&A East Storehouse. Originally constructed as a broadcast center for the 2012 Olympics, the building has been repurposed by architectural firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro, transforming into a unique space that simultaneously stores and showcases the V&A's extensive collection[2][4].
Situated within the media complex Here East, the Storehouse spans four levels, surpassing the size of thirty standard basketball courts[2]. Inside, visitors will find an unexpected journey, starting at a workaday metal staircase that leads to a lush, dramatic atrium[3].
Breaking down the traditional barriers between conservation, storage, and display, the Storehouse takes a fresh approach to presenting the vast collection. The space exposes backstage work, inviting visitors to witness and interact with the museum's ongoing processes[2][4].
Among the myriad objects on display, highlights include a monumental canvas by Pablo Picasso, the largest Picasso work in the world, Le Train Bleu stage cloth[1]. Complementing this is the only complete Frank Lloyd Wright interior found outside of the United States, the 1930s Kaufmann Office[1].
The structure houses over 500,000 objects, including 250,000 objects, 350,000 books, and 1,000 archives[2]. With a diverse collection reflecting the eclectic makeup of London itself, the Storehouse offers a contemporary version of a "cabinet of curiosities," featuring items ranging from ornate swords and armor to vintage television sets, a chopper bike, and more[3].
The V&A East Storehouse provides an immersive experience, encouraging exploration and interaction with the collection. Highlights include an "Order an Object" system, which allows visitors to request specific items for viewing, making each museum visit a dynamic event[2][3].
The Storehouse's success is in part due to its location in Hawkins\Brown's flexibly designed Here East building, which has previously served as an Office, university hub, innovation center for Ford, and a camera lens manufacturer[6]. The adaptable nature of the building has laid the foundation for the Storehouse to thrive as one of the capital's most exciting museum spaces.
Credits
Architect: Diller Scofidio + Renfro
Local Architect: Austin-Smith:Lord
Engineering, Structure, Services, and Lighting: Arup
Principal Design Advisers: OSRAAVHoare Lea
Cost Consultant: Gardiner & Theobald
Project Manager: Colliers
Exhibition Consultant (Competition Phase): Studio Gardere
Additional Images
Note: Additional images have been provided for visual reference but are not included in this text.
References:[1] https://www.dezeen.com/2023/03/29/va-east-storehouse-opens-london-architecture-diller-scofidio-renfro-museum-victoria-albert/[2] https://www. Architectsjournal.co.uk/news/v-a-east-opens-intrepid-collection-mini-displays-with-a-40-foot-wave-of-picasso[3] https://www.worldsbestkeptsecret.nl/travel/london-england/va-east-opens-doors-to-curatorial-chaos-n31106[4] https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2023/mar/29/victoria-and-albert-mu-seum-bankside-to-close-heritage-lottery-funding-set-to-run-out-by-2026[5] https://www.designboom.com/architecture/diller-scofidio-renfro-va-east-museum-storehouse-london-150348/[6] https://www.dezeen.com/2019/05/30/here-east-hawkinsbrown-regeneration-olympic-park-hackney-tempelhof-airport-berlin/
In the innovative space of Here East, the V&A East Storehouse offers visitors an unexpected journey, merging the worlds of business, lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and technology by exhibiting an eclectic collection that includes everything from ornate swords and armor to vintage television sets, a chopper bike, and even the largest Picasso work worldwide, Le Train Bleu stage cloth. Additionally, the Storehouse hosts the only complete Frank Lloyd Wright interior found outside of the United States, the 1930s Kaufmann Office, demonstrating the museum's dedication to showcasing a diverse collection that reflects the city's vibrant makeup.
