The V&A is closing its world-famous fashion gallery until 2027

The Victoria & Albert Museum is one of London’s grandest and most impressive cultural institutions, a magnificent showcase of art, design and culture throughout history and across the globe. 

Opened in 1899 by Queen Victoria, the South Kensington institution boasts some 150 galleries, but its Fashion Gallery is one of the grandest spaces in the building. Housed in the imposing Octagon Court, it displays treasures from the largest collection of dress in the world. Spanning more than five centuries and featuring everything from 17th-century mantua dresses to present-day ’fits worn by the likes of Elton John and Harry Styles, the collection forms the basis for many of the museum’s most exciting temporary displays, from its current exhibition on Naomi Campbell to upcoming openings Cartier and Marie Antoinette Style. 

However, with the gallery not having undergone any structural changes since 1962, it’s high time it was given a bit of a makeover. In fact, it was due to be redeveloped in 2020, before plans were put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, following on from major redevelopment of Young V&A and the imminent opening of the museum’s new V&A East Storehouse, the Fashion Gallery is the next space to receive some attention, undergoing a major refurbishment project supported by luxury British fashion house Burberry. The gallery will be closed for two years to complete the project, and will reopen in spring 2027 as the Burberry Gallery.

In a £1m design tender published in May 2024, the V&A stated that the redevelopment offered ‘a unique opportunity to redesign the Octagon Court and convert it into an accessible, inclusive and participatory space that will allow us to harness the extraordinary potential and popularity of our collections, building on our reputation as a world-leading source of inspiration for all.’

Speaking on the project, the V&A’s director Tristram Hunt (yes, that Tristram Hunt) said: ‘Founded in the same decade, for over 150 years the V&A and Burberry have been pillars of British fashion. Global in our reach, whilst champions of UK art and design, we share a commitment to ensuring our proud heritage inspires the next generation of creatives.

‘This partnership allows us to share the V&A’s incredible collections in new and accessible ways and, with Burberry, support education and craftsmanship across the country.  The V&A is hugely honoured to display the Burberry name above one of the very greatest fashion galleries in the world.’

Visitors have until Sunday May 4 to check out the Fashion Gallery in its current format, while the V&A’s fashion collection will be available to access at the V&A East Storehouse (which opens on Saturday May 31) and via the museum’s website while the gallery remains closed.

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