Princess Kate has visited V&A East Storehouse, a groundbreaking cultural venue in east London that welcomed its first visitors on May 31.
The new facility revolutionises the traditional museum store concept by providing free, unrestricted public access to the V&A's extensive collections and archives.
During her tour, Kate explored how the space removes conventional barriers between visitors and artefacts, allowing unprecedented proximity to creative works.
The visit highlighted V&A East Storehouse's mission to make the nation's creative heritage accessible to all.
Princess Kate has visited V&A East Storehouse, a groundbreaking cultural venue in east London that welcomed its first visitors on May 31.
Getty
The facility houses more than 500,000 creative works spanning all artistic disciplines, from fashion and film to visual art, design and performance.
Glass panels and physical barriers have been removed wherever feasible, enabling visitors to examine objects more closely than traditional museum settings permit.
This innovative approach transforms how the public engages with the V&A's vast collections.
The space functions as both a working store and an active hub where specialists collect, research and preserve objects for future generations.
Created in collaboration with young people and drawing inspiration from east London's creative heritage, the venue is dedicated to fostering creative opportunities and their transformative potential.
Kate explored how the space removes conventional barriers between visitors and artefacts, allowing unprecedented proximity to creative works.
Getty
The Princess received a comprehensive behind-the-scenes tour from the V&A's curatorial team, gaining insights into the meticulous processes of collecting, caring for, conserving and displaying the museum's objects.
She engaged with curators to understand the rationale behind acquisitions and the methods employed to preserve these cultural treasures.
Kate also met with V&A East Storehouse's newly appointed collections access team, who have been recruited from the local community.
These team members explained the V&A's commitment to ensuring the collections are accessible to everyone, regardless of background or experience.
During her visit, the Princess spent time examining remarkable objects from the collection, learning how interaction with these creative works can inspire visitors.
Kate also met with V&A East Storehouse's newly appointed collections access team, who have been recruited from the local community.
Getty
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
- Meghan Markle and Prince Harry appear to use Lilibet's birthday cake to send message to the Royal Family
- Prince Harry's bid to build bridges with the Royal Family left in tatters as insiders hit out at Sussexes
- Princess Kate 'displaying commitment' to Prince William despite shift away from wearing her engagement ring
During her visit, the Princess spent time examining remarkable objects from the collection, learning how interaction with these creative works can inspire visitors.
Getty
V&A East Storehouse represents a world-first achievement in terms of size, scale and public access levels.
The venue showcases the V&A's comprehensive collection across every creative discipline, illustrating exceptional talent, craftsmanship and history from across the globe and throughout different eras.
The facility offers an ever-changing programme of displays, events and workshops, sharing new discoveries and untold stories whilst providing opportunities for visitors to develop their own creativity.
Designed by renowned architects Diller Scofidio+ Renfro, the building reimagines the museum experience.
V&A East Storehouse is the first of two new cultural destinations planned for east London, with V&A East Museum scheduled to open in spring 2026.
Most Read
