FuturePlan

Fashion and textiles have been at the heart of the V&A’s collections since its formation. Today, the Museum holds the UK’s National Collection of Fashion and Textiles – one of the most important collections of dress in the world – comprising over 75,000 objects, which span five centuries and represent almost every corner of the globe. The V&A’s public programme of exhibitions and displays that spotlight the Fashion Collection attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, often touring nationally and internationally.

Since the V&A Fashion Collection’s move to the current Fashion Gallery in the 1960s and the subsequent introduction of a steel-framed exhibition space, there has been no major reimagining of the vast domed Grade-I listed space. The V&A is embarking on an ambitious project to redevelop the permanent collection and create a new, world-leading Gallery for one of the Museum’s most popular collections and one of the most spectacular early twentieth-century museum spaces in the UK.

The transformed Fashion Gallery will highlight the V&A – and London’s – unique position as the world-leader in fashion education. Global in reach, but provoking a very personal response, the redesigned Fashion Gallery will be enjoyed for many years to come and explore the full fashion design experience.

The V&A is undertaking a transformative project to create a new world-leading Gallery for the appreciation of one of the most important collections of South Asian art and design in the Western world.

This ambitious project will re-present the permanent collection, creating an intellectually rigorous gallery and compelling activity programme. The project will have a far-reaching benefit, connecting and engaging with a new generation of British, global and diasporic communities by sharing the diversity of cultures in South Asia through the lens of art and design.

For the first time since 1990, transformed displays, state-of-the-art lighting, new interpretation, and discreetly integrated audio-visual technology will reshape the visitor experience, making it accessible to the broadest possible audience. The display will include a grand narrative exploring South Asian artistic production and its cross-cultural influences around the world, while an extensive programme of activities and events will activate the collection in meaningful ways, to form a relevant and inspiring resource for all.

FuturePlan is transforming the V&A. Through this programme of renewal we have revitalised the displays, researched and conserved the collections, clarified the layout and restored much of the building's original grand architecture, as well as undertaking visionary new projects.

FuturePlan is almost entirely funded by private donations and is succeeding thanks to the extraordinary commitment of our supporters. If you would like to get involved, please contact the Development department. We would be delighted to discuss how you can help FuturePlan restore and redesign the V&A.

We are also seeking funding to support the other activities that make the V&A a world-class centre of excellence and learning in art and design. You can support our programmes that relate to education, acquisitions, conservation and research.

Find out the latest news from the wide range of FuturePlan projects being carried out around the V&A by architects, designers and leading Museum experts.