My honest review of London’s £135,000,000 V&A East Museum that took 10 years to build

Museums rarely elicit public displays of emotion.

They educate, sure; prompt reflection, yes.

On a good day, they challenge.

But it’s not often that they provoke a physical response.

Much to my delight, visitors at the newly opened V&A East Museum were swaying – some all out dancing – to the sound in their headphones.

A decade in the making, V&A East is finally here.

Located in Stratford, on the same stretch as the BBC, Sadler’s Wells East and UAL, it is V&A’s final opening in a flurry of developments that have arrived in London over the past few years – including the V&A East Storehouse, the David Bowie Centre and the revamped Young V&A.

Intended to attract new audiences and rooted in the neighbourhood’s industrial, creative heritage, it’s a far cry from the original V&A’s grandiose building.

A museum for the masses, it feels more welcoming than its high-brow South Kensington sibling.

It was designed with accessibility in mind, aimed at young creatives who might feel out of place in traditional museums.

Its two permanent galleries, titled Why We Make, span two floors and explore creativity in all its forms, spanning art, architecture, design, performance, and fashion.

The display is arranged by theme, with topics including identity, wellbeing, social justice and environmental action.

There are museum debuts: Jamie Hawkesworth’s Preston Bus Station photographs and household names, including Molly Goddard’s pink tulle dress (as seen in Killing Eve and Beyoncé’s Black Is King) and a 90s ensemble by Vivienne Westwood.

The real draw, however, is the temporary exhibition on Black British music, which traces how Black British music has shaped British culture from 1900 to the present day, while mapping its global influence.

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It doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable.

From the atrocities of the slave trade to racism experienced by Black Brits, each section is accompanied by the headphones handed out at entry, which guide visitors through the show with the songs it chronicles.

The music never overwhelms.

It underscores rather than dominates, supporting a vast, carefully structured narrative that is handled with care.

As the exhibition edges towards the present, the tone shifts and visitors begin to loosen, gently swaying to the sound.

The joyful, rhythmic music – where you can almost hear the smiles in the singers’ voices – encourages a sense of release.

It’s a rare lowering of guard, something usually unseen in museums and a testament to how inviting the V&A East really feels.

Once you’ve finished the exhibition, don’t rush off.

Take the lift up to the terrace, where a balcony offers sweeping views over East London: the remnants of the 2012 Olympics, repurposed spaces, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, all part of the emerging East Bank cultural quarter.

The café and restaurant downstairs are also worth a stop.

This isn’t just any museum café, but a new outpost of the beloved Marylebone restaurant Jikoni.

Founded by husband-and-wife duo Ravinder Bhogal and Nadeem Lalani Nanjuwany, it serves vibrant global fusion dishes and sweet treats.

Planning to make it a day trip?

If you’re coming from outside London and looking for a budget-friendly hotel that doesn’t compromise on comfort or design, YOTELPAD Stratford is a solid choice.

Located just seven minutes from Stratford station, 15 minutes from Westfield, and a 20-minute walk from the museum, it’s well placed for exploring the area.

Rooms are modern and stylish, equipped with everything you might need for a short stay: 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, smart TVs, and, in many cases, a kitchenette.

London City Airport is just 6 km away.

Queen rooms start from £84 per night, while Studio PADs (with kitchenette) start from £90.

Accessible rooms are also available.