The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London is set to open a new ‘cabinet of curiosities’ attraction called the V&A East Storehouse in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford in May 2025. The Storehouse will be home to over half a million cultural treasures, including items such as Elton John’s costumes, retro football shirts, vintage Glastonbury memorabilia, and a David Bowie exhibition with more than 80,000 items from the star’s life. The venue will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the museum’s operations, showcasing how objects are collected and cared for, and visitors will be able to see conservators at work preserving items like clothing, paintings, and puppets.
The Storehouse will house a vast collection of over 250,000 objects, 350,000 library books, and 1,000 archives from the V&A’s collections. The breadth of the collection spans 5,000 years of human creativity, with items ranging from a 17th century ruff pin to a two-storey section of a maisonette flat from the now-demolished Robin Hood Gardens housing estate. The centre will also showcase large artefacts such as The Kaufmann Office and a 15th-century gilded wooden ceiling from the lost Torrijos Palace in Toledo. Visitors will have the opportunity to book an ‘Order an Object experience’ to view specific items up close with the assistance of a knowledgeable staff member.
Adjacent to the V&A East Storehouse, the new V&A East Museum is slated to open in 2026. This five-storey museum will host major exhibitions celebrating prominent artists, designers, and performers, as well as paying tribute to the creative and manufacturing heritage of east London. The museum plans to offer festivals, exhibitions, live performances, and pop-up events to engage visitors. The V&A’s new attractions are part of an effort to expand its offerings in different parts of London, providing unique cultural experiences to residents and tourists alike.
In addition to the V&A’s new attractions, there are several other free-to-enter museums and galleries in London that may appeal to teenagers with an interest in art and culture. The Tate Modern on the South Bank features modern and contemporary art from around the world, including works by Picasso and Matisse. For those who prefer traditional art, the Tate Britain near Pimlico houses Pre-Raphaelite paintings, David Hockney artwork, and the largest collection of Turner pieces. Other attractions such as the London Wall, the Wallace Collection in Marylebone, and the BFI Southbank’s Mediatheque offer diverse experiences ranging from Roman history to British films and television shows.
London is also a hotspot for street art enthusiasts, with iconic pieces by artists like Banksy and vibrant murals at locations like the Leake Street Arches. Visitors can explore the city’s street art scene through self-guided maps available online or join free guided tours to discover hidden gems throughout the city. Whether exploring ancient Roman ruins, admiring classic artworks, or immersing oneself in contemporary cultural offerings, London offers a wealth of cultural experiences that cater to a diverse range of interests.
