2 days ago
The UK's newest national museum is more like an Ikea store – and Kate Middleton is already a fan
LONDON'S newest museum has finally opened - and I was one of the first to go down.
V&A East Storehouse is Stratford's newest attraction, opening at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
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Joining the original V&A museum along with Young V&A and V&A Dundee, it is certainly a different kind of museum.
The four-floor museum takes up the space of 30 basketball courts.
The museum's collection is broken down into three 'themes' - items that have a story, items inspired by the V&A and items that show a working museum.
An element I loved was the lack of walls where you can see everything while standing in one spot.
It almost reminded me of an IKEA warehouse with the simple plywood and metal structures and open concept.
But the variation of items (of which there are 250,000) means there is something for everyone.
Kids will be fascinated by the sword displays while I loved the items from important protests throughout history.
Architecture lovers will be taken by the famous Frank Lloyd Right rooms and there is enough art and memorabilia to keep all types occupied, from motorbikes and guitars to magazines and interiors.
Yet I can see how it could be overwhelming for some.
There is no themed areas unlike other museums which often base each room on certain eras or topics.
So you will have to walk the entire building while trying to spot something that interests you.
I don't think you could spend more than an hour there, unless you are more interested in the concept of a museum rather than a collection itself.
Yet it's a museum made for the modern day - every piece has a QR code to scan for more information rather than huge signs of text.
I loved this idea, as it also means I never felt awkward having my phone out when taking pictures.
It also meant you could see more of the attractions without being bogged down with text.
Kate Middleton has already visited the new museum, saying: "What a fantastic idea. What an opportunity for everyone to see these historic pieces in first person."
"It's so eclectic. And all parts of the process of displaying and curating."
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And there are some new additions coming as well.
Later this year it will open the David Bowie Centre, an archive dedicated to the six decades of the late singer's career.
And next spring will see the opening of V&A East Museum, a 7,000sqm attraction space with live shows and pop ups.
But until then, V&A East Storehouse is definitely worth a visit while in Stratford - but you won't need as long as perhaps the other V&A museums to explore.
Make sure to take small bags, as bulky coats and bags have to be put in one of the free lockers.
Food and drink is also banned inside but there is a small on-site cafe selling snacks and drinks for afterwards.
Here's another £437million attraction opening in London next year.
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