World & places · Evidence-backed
V&A East: Storehouse & Museum
Located in Hackney Wick, Stratford, within Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, V&A East welcomes visitors with a Storehouse that opens 'all areas' of the V&A collection and a Museum that presents rotating exhibitions and events. Both are free to enter, though some special exhibitions may carry separate charges. The site is accessible daily, with extended hours on Thursdays and Saturdays.
V&A East opens as a two-part cultural destination in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, combining the V&A East Storehouse and V&A East Museum. It represents the latest expansion of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s site network, offering free access to selected collections, behind-the-scenes experiences, and themed galleries on art, design, fashion, performance, and music. The development is part of the wider East Bank cultural district, which also includes BBC Music Studios, Sadler's Wells East, and university campuses.
V&A East Storehouse opens 'all areas' of the collection
The V&A East Storehouse, located at Parkes Street, E20 3AX, offers an 'all areas' experience that allows visitors to go behind the scenes and explore the V&A’s collection of art, design, fashion, performance, and music. It opened in June 2025 as part of the East Bank cultural district in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Admission is free, and the space is designed to let visitors chart their own path through the collections.
V&A East Museum opened in April 2026
The V&A East Museum opened to the public in April 2026, situated in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It features galleries, exhibitions, and events that spotlight people, ideas, and creativity shaping global culture. The museum is free to enter, with separate charges possible for certain exhibitions and events. It forms part of the East Bank district, which includes BBC Music Studios, Sadler's Wells East, UAL London College of Fashion, and UCL East.
Free admission with separate exhibition charges
Both the V&A East Storehouse and V&A East Museum operate on a free-admission model. However, some exhibitions and events within the museum may carry a separate charge. Membership options are available, offering free visits and other benefits. Standard opening times are daily from 10.00 to 18.00, with extended hours until 22.00 on Thursdays and Saturdays. The site closes over Christmas, from 24 to 26 December.
V&A East is part of the East Bank cultural district
V&A East forms part of East Bank, a cultural and education district in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The district also hosts BBC Music Studios, Sadler's Wells East, UAL's London College of Fashion, and UCL East. This cluster of institutions aims to create a hub for creativity, performance, and higher education in east London, building on the legacy of the 2012 Olympic Park regeneration.
Architects behind V&A East Museum and Storehouse
The V&A East Museum was designed by O'Donnell & Tuomey, while the Storehouse was designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro. Both architectural practices are internationally recognised, with the Museum receiving Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026 shortlisting. The buildings are integrated into Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park's East Bank area, complementing existing venues such as the London Stadium and the Aquatics Centre.
V&A East Storehouse location and opening times
V&A East Storehouse is at Parkes Street, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Hackney Wick, London E20 3AX. It opens daily from 10.00 to 18.00, with extended hours until 22.00 on Thursdays and Saturdays. The venue is closed from 24 to 26 December. Admission is free, and the Storehouse provides behind-the-scenes access to the V&A's collection across art, design, fashion, performance, and music.
V&A East Museum galleries and exhibitions
V&A East Museum hosts galleries, exhibitions, and events that spotlight creativity, people, and ideas shaping global culture. The museum's programme changes regularly, with past and future exhibitions covering fashion, design, performance, and music. The space is designed to be inclusive and accessible, with free admission and optional paid events. Visitors can expect a mix of permanent displays and temporary shows drawn from the V&A's 2.8 million-object collection.
East Bank cultural district includes universities and studios
The East Bank district in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is home to not only V&A East but also BBC Music Studios, Sadler's Wells East, UAL's London College of Fashion, and UCL East. This combination of cultural, educational, and creative institutions makes East Bank one of the largest concentrations of arts and education facilities in London. The area is designed to foster collaboration between higher education, performance, and museum practice.
V&A East Museum shortlisted for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026
V&A East Museum was shortlisted for the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026 award, recognising excellence in the UK museum sector. The shortlisting acknowledges the museum's innovative design, public access, and the quality of its exhibitions and events since opening in April 2026. The award is the largest annual prize for a UK museum, and shortlisting is a significant endorsement of the venue's impact and standards.
V&A East accessible by public transport
V&A East is located in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, east London, and is accessible via several London Underground and bus routes. The nearest stations include Stratford and Mile End, with additional connections via the London Overground and local bus services. Cycle parking and step-free access are available at both the Storehouse and Museum entrances. Visitors are encouraged to plan their journey using the Transport for London journey planner.
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