London's Victoria & Albert Museum has transformed the traditional concept of museum storage by opening the V&A East Storehouse, a groundbreaking facility that makes its massive archival collection publicly accessible. Unlike typical museums where storage areas remain hidden from visitors, this innovative space allows the public to explore approximately 250,000 artifacts and objects through carefully curated displays.
The four-level facility opened earlier this year and was designed through a collaboration between New York City-based studio Diller Scofidio + Renfro and British architecture firm Austin-Smith:Lord. The unique space features steel grate flooring throughout, requiring visitors to consider appropriate footwear when planning their visit. The design creates an atmosphere reminiscent of the Collector's Museum from "Guardians of the Galaxy," blending functionality with visual appeal.
Beyond traditional books and archives, the East Storehouse offers interactive experiences that set it apart from conventional museum storage facilities. Visitors can request to handle certain objects directly, providing a tactile connection to the collection. The space also includes a loft area overlooking the Conservation Studios, where guests can observe professional curators preparing artifacts for display, offering insight into the behind-the-scenes work of museum professionals.
The facility features recreations of historically significant spaces that visitors can explore in detail. Notable examples include Frank Lloyd Wright's Kaufmann Office and the Frankfurt Kitchen, an innovative ergonomic galley design created by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky in 1926 that was considered radical for its time. These recreated spaces provide visitors with immersive historical experiences.
Practical amenities enhance the visitor experience, including an on-site cafeteria for extended visits and a mandatory locker room at the entrance where guests must store bags and coats to prevent artifacts from accidentally being taken. The V&A East Storehouse operates as a free public facility with no reservation requirements, making it accessible to anyone interested in exploring the museum's vast collection. The expansive nature of the four-level space suggests visitors could easily spend an entire day discovering the diverse artifacts and exhibitions housed within this revolutionary storage facility.
