O'Donnell + Tuomey Unveils V&A East Museum Design in London Before April Opening

The Irish architecture firm O'Donnell + Tuomey has provided an exclusive preview of the V&A East Museum in London, which is scheduled to open to the public on April 18. Located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the building stands near the London College of Fashion by Allies and Morrison and faces the Olympic stadium designed by Populous. The museum's exterior features a distinctive angular, pyramidal form with a facade composed of 479 precast concrete panels. These panels are decorated with linear patterns that reference the V&A logo, a design element derived from the institution's well-known graphic identity created by Pentagram. John Tuomey, co-founder of the firm, described the structure as 'jewel-like' and emphasized its role as the cultural centerpiece of the development. He explained that the facade acts like a 'jacket' to protect the museum's contents while also inviting visitors through angled sections that open toward a public square. The five-story building houses gallery spaces designed by UK studio JA Projects and serves as a companion to the V&A East Storehouse by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, which opened last year. Tuomey noted the design aims to balance shelter and accessibility, with interior spaces arranged as simple boxes around a core, allowing for movement between the facade and exhibition areas. The project was documented by photographers Hufton + Crow.