V&A Museum of Childhood

The V&A Museum of Childhood, recently renamed Young V&A, is one of the most fascinating and interactive institutions in London, dedicated entirely to the world of childhood and youth. Located in Bethnal Green, this museum is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum and is known for its extensive collection of toys, clothes, and objects related to childhood spanning several centuries. The original building was opened in 1872 as the Bethnal Green Museum, initially not specifically dedicated to childhood. It was only in the 1920s, under the direction of Arthur Sabin, that the museum began to focus on children. Sabin, observing the presence of many noisy and bored children in the museum, decided to make the environment more welcoming for them, starting to collect toys and other objects related to childhood. Among the illustrious donors was also Queen Mary, who contributed some of her personal toys.During World War II, the museum was temporarily transformed into a British canteen, but reopened after the war with a renewed focus on the collection of childhood objects. In 1974, under the direction of Roy Strong, the museum was officially renamed the Museum of Childhood, consolidating its identity and mission.In 2023, after a three-year extensive renovation project costing £13 million, the museum reopened as Young V&A. This transformation not only modernized the infrastructure but also made the museum experience even more interactive and engaging for young visitors. The new design was co-created with children and teenagers, making the museum a place truly dedicated to their needs and interests.Young V&A is organized into three main galleries: Play, Imagine, and Design. The Play gallery is a paradise of interactive activities, where children can create virtual versions of a town square in Minecraft, perform on a stage to tell stories, or play on a finger skateboard track. The Imagine gallery offers spaces for performance and storytelling, while the Design gallery focuses on creativity and innovation, encouraging visitors to design and build.A notable example of the museum’s new acquisitions is the Kermit the Frog toy from the 1970s and 1980s, which is expected to become a favorite among the public. Additionally, the inaugural exhibition “Japan: Myths to Manga” explores how Japanese landscape and folklore have influenced culture and technology, with sections dedicated to Studio Ghibli and Pokémon.The museum not only preserves historical objects but also serves as a space for events and workshops that stimulate the creativity of young people. These include sound design workshops, family design challenges, and open studios where visitors can meet and work with professional designers. The museum’s motto, “Do Touch,” invites visitors to interact with the exhibits, making learning a practical and fun experience. A significant aspect of Young V&A is its social and educational role. Dr. Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A, has emphasized the importance of the museum in supporting youth creativity in an era where creative education is declining in schools. Young V&A aims to cultivate the next generation of artists, thinkers, and innovators, offering a space where children can explore, create, and learn in an interactive and engaging way.