The legendary Victoria and Albert Museum is throwing open the doors to its most enigmatic treasure chest—the vast East Storehouse in Stratford—and is calling on the public to become digital curators. This is a rare invitation to explore the cathedral-like space that houses over a quarter of a million objects not currently on display in the main South Kensington museum.
A Behind-the-Scenes Adventure
For the first time, visitors can wander through the awe-inspiring aisles of this purpose-built storehouse, a veritable Aladdin's cave of art, design, and history. From exquisite Renaissance sculptures and delicate textiles to groundbreaking design prototypes and historical fashion, the collection is a testament to centuries of human creativity, most of which the public rarely gets to see.
Become a Curator For The Day
The V&A isn't just offering a passive viewing experience. They are actively encouraging every guest to engage with the collection on a deeper level. Using their smartphones, visitors are asked to photograph the pieces that captivate them the most and share their personal highlights with the museum via a dedicated online portal.
This crowdsourcing initiative aims to create a unique, visitor-led digital map of the storehouse's greatest hits. It's a bold experiment in democratic curation, asking: what captures the public's imagination?
Why Your Opinion Matters
This isn't merely a social media campaign. The insights gathered from public submissions will play a genuine role in how the V&A understands its collection's impact. The shared highlights could influence future displays, exhibitions, and digital content, ensuring the museum's programming resonates with modern audiences.
It’s a unique opportunity to have your voice heard and to directly contribute to the cultural conversation. So, what will you discover? A bizarre piece of futuristic furniture? A hauntingly beautiful painting? A piece of history that speaks directly to you?
Plan your pilgrimage to the V&A East Storehouse and share the wealth of beauty you unearth. Your next favourite artefact is waiting.
