February 26, 2026
V&A East Museum Opens with The Music is Black
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the history of black music, fashion, art and photography as the V&A East Museum is opening its doors for the very first time this spring, boasting two free permanent galleries and a large exhibition space.
The landmark event follows 125 years of basslines and bloodlines, tracing sounds born of African music that have rewired British identity and displaying over 200 items including the dress worn by Dame Shirley Bassey to perform ‘Goldfinger’ and musical batons from the early 1900s belonging to classical composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.
This four-act exhibition is supported by the BBC archives, providing a sound-filled experience celebrating a culture of resilience.
You can christen the brand new east Museum by visiting The Music is Black: A British Story from Saturday 18 April 2026- 3 January 2027 at V&A East Museum, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, E20 2ST.
Get your tickets now at www.vam.ac.uk
Words by Georgina Garness