The V&A Storehouse in east London has been named the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026, winning the prestigious £120,000 prize. The museum, which opened in 2023, reimagines the concept of museum storage by allowing visitors to explore over 250,000 objects in a warehouse setting.
What is the V&A Storehouse?
Located in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the V&A Storehouse is a five-storey building that houses the museum's collection of fashion, furniture, ceramics, and other decorative arts. Unlike traditional museums, it displays objects in open storage, with glass walkways and viewing platforms offering unique perspectives. The museum also features a conservation studio where visitors can watch experts at work.
According to the Art Fund, the museum was praised for its "radical approach to access and transparency," making previously hidden collections visible to the public. The prize money will support further programming and community engagement.
Competition and Judges' Comments
The V&A Storehouse beat four other shortlisted museums: the Black Country Living Museum, the British Museum's Enlightenment Gallery, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Towner Eastbourne. Art Fund director Jenny Waldman said: "The V&A Storehouse is a game-changer for how museums share their collections. It invites curiosity and discovery, turning storage into a destination."
The award ceremony took place at the V&A Storehouse on 25 June 2026. The museum has attracted over 500,000 visitors since opening, with many praising its hands-on approach and behind-the-scenes access.
Impact on Museum Sector
Experts say the award could inspire other institutions to adopt similar open-storage models. The V&A Storehouse is part of a trend toward transparency in museums, with institutions like the Museum of London and the Science Museum also planning visible storage facilities. The prize highlights the growing importance of accessibility and public engagement in museum design.
