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Prepare to be Amazed at the Reopening of Young V&A Museum
London’s Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green is undergoing a major transformation. After three years of closure and a staggering redesign cost of £13 million, the museum is all set to reopen its doors as Young V&A. The museum aims to captivate young audiences and revolutionize the way arts and cultural establishments engage with them.
Director of Young V&A, Helen Charman, highlights the importance of childhood as the creative powerhouse of human development. Early years are a period of exploration and receptiveness, with 90% of brain development taking place during this time. Cultural institutions have a unique opportunity to contribute to this process through sensory and experiential play.
Children’s museums have been around for more than a century, with the Brooklyn Children’s Museum being the first in 1899. However, these institutions have traditionally treated children as distractions rather than focusing on their needs and interests. Young V&A aims to break this pattern and create a space that truly caters to children.
Upon visiting Young V&A with my nine-year-old son, the first thing that strikes me is the transformed environment. The redesign has brought in more light and openness, creating a brighter atmosphere. What’s even better is that the main collection remains free for all visitors. The museum now offers interactive displays, a chance to build, play, and share, and a myriad of engaging activities.
The transformation of Young V&A was a collaborative effort, with input from a vast young audience. The museum worked with Beano Brain, a consultancy specializing in kids and family engagement. This partnership brought fresh perspectives and insights from a generation of kids whose life experiences revolve around interactive digital products.
Young V&A aims to cater to newborns to mid-teens, acknowledging their habits and rewarding their attention. Older kids can explore gaming displays and design their own adventures. Accompanying adults are also welcome to relish the nostalgia while kids take center stage.
For the youngest visitors, there is a multisensory experience designed to engage them. Textures, colors, and sounds are carefully crafted to provide a hands-on encounter. While the museum couldn’t let babies put exhibits in their mouths, they created casing surfaces that mimic the materials, creating a tactile experience.
The “remixed” collection at Young V&A presents a refreshing mix of serious artworks and popular culture. Kids have access to original works by renowned artists like Bridget Riley and David Hockney. They can also explore iconic pieces like Elsa’s gown from Disney’s Frozen and couture pieces from Prada. The themes of representation and sustainability run throughout the exhibits.
Children’s museums are gaining recognition as thought leaders within the cultural institution community. The Association of Children’s Museums underscores their transformative power in providing hands-on, interactive, and playful learning experiences. These museums serve as extensions of home and school environments, fostering stronger communities and offering opportunities for growth and discovery.
Creating a museum with a young audience in mind comes with its challenges. Chief Curator of Young V&A, Alex Newson, shares the difficulties faced in meeting the demands of children, while still preserving the collections for future generations. While some requests, like a giant slide, were not feasible, the museum has incorporated alternative options to keep children engaged and excited.
As I explore Young V&A with my son, I am thrilled to see him fully immersed in the experience. From playing Minecraft to interacting with optical illusions, he is thriving in this creative environment. The newly designed cascading staircase, inspired by children’s requests, serves as a gateway to artistic exploration. Together, we ascend the kaleidoscope stairs, ready to embrace the wonders of arts and culture.
Young V&A Museum is reopening on July 1st. Make sure to visit and embark on a journey of imagination and inspiration. Stay informed about the latest updates on their website: vam.ac.uk/young.
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