
V&A East Storehouse
London's newest working museum, offering a unique behind-the-scenes look at over 250,000 artifacts and conservation in action.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less crowded, open late

V&A East Storehouse
Best Time
Less crowded, open late

Highlights
Must-see attractions
London's newest working museum, offering a unique behind-the-scenes look at over 250,000 artifacts and conservation in action.
"It's a warehouse where you can explore with information provided at your own pace. "

🎯 Free Entry, Book Ahead!
General entry is free, but special exhibitions like the David Bowie collection may need advance booking.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across four levels, so comfortable footwear is a must!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Behind-the-Scenes Access
Curator and Conservation Areas
Witness conservators and technical specialists at work, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at cultural heritage preservation.

Vast Object Collection
Four Levels of Display
Explore over 250,000 objects spanning fashion, furniture, and more, from ancient to modern times.

Order an Object Service
Information Desk/Online
Request to see specific archived items not on display, like David Bowie's costumes, with advance notice.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Working Museum Experience
Getting There & Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry, Book Ahead!
General entry is free, but special exhibitions like the David Bowie collection may need advance booking.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across four levels, so comfortable footwear is a must!
📱 Download the V&A App
Enhance your visit with the V&A app for AR features and more organized information about objects.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
With over 250,000 objects, it's easy to get lost. Give yourself at least a few hours to explore.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry, Book Ahead!
General entry is free, but special exhibitions like the David Bowie collection may need advance booking.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across four levels, so comfortable footwear is a must!
📱 Download the V&A App
Enhance your visit with the V&A app for AR features and more organized information about objects.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
With over 250,000 objects, it's easy to get lost. Give yourself at least a few hours to explore.
☕ Cafe Break
Enjoy a coffee and pastry at the on-site cafe, run by one of the area's best bakeries.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the V&A East Storehouse's unique 'working museum' concept, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at conservation and vast collections. While some wish for more frequent object rotation, the innovative approach and impressive scale make it a highly recommended, free cultural experience in London.
"I think you just love the place, simple as that. Yes it's not your traditional white cubes where arts are selected and curated apart to show you, instead it's a warehouse where you can explore with information provided at your own pace. We visited in Thursday evening which opens till 10pm. Not crowded and almost visit every corner. I wish the objects on display get rotated more often too and that more routes will be opened and connected to the public. The architecture is unpretentious on the outside, just a big warehouse, and the interior has been kept true, though with impressive height and volume to display arts and objects. Lots of items you get to touch and read and look at closely. I also wish the app could have AR enabled to introduce objects in a more organised and informed way."
Notry
"The new V&A Storehouse is amazing. We were lucky enough to get tickets for the David Bowie Exhibition which we enjoyed very much.
The storehouse itself is fabulous and you can request to see any object they have (notice is required)
The building is spacious and the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. It's a brilliant resource and truly worth a visit."
Michael Scott
"Visited on a Sunday morning, it was busy but you could still view everything. It's an incredible, innovative space full of surprises on display. The randomness of the displays are what makes it! It's warm due to climate control measures to protect the pieces on display and you are invited to leave your bags and coats in lockers downstairs. You can keep your phone on you.
I feel so lucky to have something so daringly innovative on my doorstep, its an amazing place to spend a couple of hours.
Best bit us you get to see into the conservators and technical specialists working areas, so often behind the scenes in most museums and galleries, but here you have a birds eye view. Can't wait to go back!"
Sheetal Parmar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The V&A East Storehouse is easily accessible by public transport. It's a 15-minute walk from Stratford Station, which serves the Central, Jubilee, DLR, Overground, and National Rail lines. Many visitors find it convenient to use the Tube or Overground to reach Stratford and then enjoy a short walk to the museum.
While there isn't dedicated visitor parking directly at the Storehouse, Stratford has several car parks nearby, including Westfield Stratford City. However, public transport is generally recommended for ease of access and to avoid parking fees.
Yes, the V&A East Storehouse is designed to be accessible. It features lifts and spacious layouts across its four levels, ensuring visitors with mobility needs can explore the collections comfortably.
The museum is spread across four levels, so it's a good idea to grab a map upon arrival or use the V&A app to plan your route. Many visitors suggest starting on the upper levels and working your way down.
Visitors are advised to leave large bags and coats in the lockers provided downstairs. This helps protect the artifacts and makes it easier to navigate the exhibition spaces.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to the V&A East Storehouse is free for all visitors. However, special exhibitions, such as the David Bowie collection, may require a separate ticket and advance booking.
While general entry is free and doesn't require booking, it's highly recommended to check the V&A website for any special exhibitions or events that might require advance ticket purchase.
Opening hours can vary, but the V&A East Storehouse is typically open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday. It's best to check the official V&A website for the most up-to-date opening times, especially for late openings or specific event days.
Yes, the David Bowie exhibition is a popular highlight. While some Bowie items are in the general display, access to the dedicated archive may require specific tickets or booking, so check the V&A website for details.
This unique service allows visitors to request access to specific archived items not currently on display. You can view items like David Bowie's costumes or historical documents with at least two weeks' notice.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect to see a vast collection of over 250,000 objects, including fashion, furniture, textiles, and decorative arts. You'll also get a unique view into the working areas of curators and conservators.
No, it's a working museum warehouse. Instead of curated galleries, it's an expansive space where you can explore artifacts at your own pace and see them in their storage or restoration context.
While many objects are behind protective displays, the V&A East Storehouse encourages close examination. You can often get very close to read labels and appreciate the details of the artifacts.
Absolutely! The V&A East Storehouse is a designer's paradise, holding vast collections that can inspire designers and art students. It's a treasure trove of creativity.
The interior is impressive with its height and volume, designed to house and display art and objects. It's a space that feels both grand and intimate, allowing for close inspection of items.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site run by one of the area's best bakeries, offering a great spot to relax and refuel.
While specific policies can vary, it's generally best to consume outside food and drinks in designated areas or not at all within the exhibition spaces to protect the artifacts. The on-site cafe is a good option.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artifacts. Always check for specific signage or ask staff if unsure.
The sheer scale of the object displays and the unique behind-the-scenes views offer many photographic opportunities. The 'Order an Object' viewing areas and the vast storage racks can be particularly striking.
Yes, you can keep your phone on you and use it for photography for personal use. The V&A app might also offer AR features that can enhance your photo-taking experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid the busiest periods. While general entry is free, check for any special family-friendly events or exhibitions. The spacious layout and the ability to get close to many displays make it manageable for families with young children. Remember to utilize the lockers for bags and coats to keep hands free for exploring!
🎨 Design Enthusiasts & Creatives
The opportunity to see objects in their storage and conservation context offers a unique perspective on materiality and preservation. The 'Order an Object' service is also a fantastic resource for those seeking specific items for study or inspiration. Allow ample time to absorb the sheer volume and diversity of the collections.
🤓 History Buffs & Researchers
Beyond the objects themselves, the insight into the conservation and curatorial processes offers a fascinating look at how history is preserved and interpreted. The sheer breadth of the collection means you can find items related to fashion, furniture, ceramics, metalwork, and much more, making it an invaluable resource for academic study or personal exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The V&A East Storehouse: A New Kind of Museum
The sheer scale of the V&A East Storehouse is awe-inspiring, spanning four levels and described as being bigger than 30 basketball courts. This immense space allows for the display of a diverse range of artifacts, from ancient treasures to contemporary designs, covering 5,000 years of creativity. The 'Order an Object' service further enhances the visitor experience, allowing individuals to request specific items not on public display, such as iconic costumes or historical documents, with advance notice. This innovative model transforms the museum visit from passive observation to active discovery, making it a must-see for anyone interested in art, design, and the preservation of history.
Key features that set the V&A East Storehouse apart include its commitment to transparency, its vast and varied collection, and its innovative visitor services. The building itself, while unpretentious from the outside, boasts impressive height and volume internally, designed to accommodate and showcase the extensive collections. The climate-controlled environment ensures the preservation of delicate artifacts, contributing to the museum's role as a vital hub for cultural heritage. It's a space where history is not just displayed but actively cared for and studied, offering a truly unique and enriching experience for all visitors.
Exploring the David Bowie Collection
Access to the dedicated David Bowie exhibition or archive may require advance booking and specific tickets. It's essential to check the V&A's official website for the latest information on exhibition availability, opening times, and how to secure your spot. Visitors who have experienced this exhibition often describe it as a highlight, offering deep insights into Bowie's innovative approach to performance and visual art. Even if you can't access the full archive, the general displays often contain fascinating items that celebrate his enduring impact on music and culture.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit