Influencers blog: The V&A Museum of Childhood plan’s for the future

Influencers blog: The V&A Museum of Childhood plan’s for the future

East End Influencer, Alexandra Mitrica, went to the V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green last week to find out about their future plans to turn their museum into a world-leading museum of design and creativity for children and families.

Last week, V&A Director Tristram Hunt revealed details of a new redevelopment project for the V&A Museum of Childhood that will enable the much-loved institution to become a world-leading museum of design and creativity for children, families and young people.

Developed in collaboration with local children, it will create immersive galleries and flexible learning studios, invigorate the outdoor landscape, reveal and celebrate the building’s Grade II* listed Victorian architecture, and significantly improve visitor experience.

We asked our East End Influencers if they wanted to go along and find about this exciting project that could be of real interest to local families.

V&A Museum of Childhood is getting ready for a makeover

By Alexandra Mitrica

I took the V&A Museum of Childhood’s breakfast invitation as a good opportunity to have a nice morning walk. How can you not love Brick Lane when it’s all empty and sleepy – wonderfully revealing hidden corners. This morning marked an important moment for V&A . The group is announcing grand plans for their Museum of Childhood redevelopment project. They’re planning to transform museum spaces, improve museum visitors’ capacity, while preserving and reinterpreting Victorian architectural heritage of this Grade II building.

What’s special about the Museum of Childhood?

Have you ever felt you’re too busy to play? Well, it happens to children nowadays too if you can believe that. Here’s why a place like Museum of Childhood is essential for bringing out the child in all of us.

‘In life what we need it joy’ as The V&A Children’s Forum proudly announces, and I cannot agree more. Home to largest collection of childhood objects in the United Kingdom, it is filled with forgotten optical toys and designs. The V&A has been partnering for decades with schools, enhancing children ability to interpret the world, offering a safe and stimulating environment that promotes children education.

Strategically located between Stratford Olympic City and Shoreditch, a hub of technology and innovation, the museum hopes to unite the creative energy of Shoreditch, Hackney and Tower Hamlets around its love and dedication for arts and design.

Shining its way to the 150th anniversary in 2022

One of the presenters at the launch was declaring V&A Museum of Childhood as the jewel in the V&A’s crown similar to how Tower Hamlets hosts the actual Crowns Jewels. I think it’s a nice parable for the wonderful potential I see in Bethnal Green and in Tower Hamlets.

Architects responsible with the redevelopment announced new concept designs including The Kaleidoscope (a new interactive installation for the Main Hall), a re-landscaped outdoor play space as well as restoring the original Victorian fabric and details of the building – with the grand launching of the new design in 2022 in time for museum’s 150 years anniversary.

These exciting plans will provide local children and families with new inspiring play spaces and activities. With the lack of open spaces  available in the city, this is much needed to help the borough become a happier and healthier place for children to release their energy and creativity.

Read the first blog from our East End Influencers here.

 

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