The V&A East Museum in London has set an opening date for 18 April 2026.
The V&A announces that V&A East Museum, designed by architects O’Donnell +
Tuomey, opens on East Bank in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Saturday 18 April
2026.
Gus Casely-Hayford, V&A East Director, said: “In today’s world where we’re facing
down challenges from the climate crisis to increasing polarisation, museums and the
creative industries have a vital role in bringing people together, celebrating communities,
sparking conversations and spotlighting the many ways that global artists, designers and makers are using their creativity to change the world for the better. We have created V&A East Museum with and for our audiences, as a welcoming space for all, embedded in east London and with a global outlook, that reflects the multiculturalism of this incredible place that has been the beating heart of creativity for centuries. V&A East Museum is for you– my hope is you’ll find joy, something of yourself and a sense of belonging the moment you walk through the door.”
Jen McLachlan, V&A East Project Director, said: “We’re proud to see V&A East Museum take its place within the dynamic landscape of East Bank in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Our design is driven by the idea of openness — a building that welcomes its community, celebrates creativity, and frames the exchange between art, people, and place. It’s not just a museum, but a civic space for dialogue, discovery, and shared
experience."
The first exhibition is titled The Music is Black: A British Story and includes a sound experience by Sennheiser. It spans from 1900 to the present day and reveals how Black British music has shaped British culture.
Objects on view will include Joan Armatrading’s childhood guitar, outfits worn by Little Simz, and photography by Dennis Morris and Jennie Baptiste. Across two floors, the museum also includes two free permanent Why We Make galleries, showcasing more than 500 objects from the V&A's collections.
Jen McLachlan, V&A East's project director, said: “Our design is driven by the idea of openness — a building that welcomes its community, celebrates creativity, and frames the exchange between art, people, and place. It’s not just a museum, but a civic space for dialogue, discovery, and shared experience."
Images courtesy of V&A