Major cultural project designed by Tenderstream members completes in London

The V&A East Museum, designed by Tendestream member O’Donnell + Tuomey, opened its doors for the first time on 18^th April as part of East Bank, the new cultural quarter in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, supported by the Mayor of London. The new museum completes the V&A East project as the sister site to V&A East Storehouse, designed by fellow Tenderstream member Diller Scofidio + Renfro, which opened in May 2025. Both sites are part of the East Bank partnership, rooted in the diverse communities of east London and a reflection of the creative spirit and the legacy of the London 2012 Games.

Set across a bright, spacious five-storey building, the new museum is a showcase of creativity and a celebration of east London, UK and global makers. The design was influenced by the couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga and his use of the Japanese concept of 'Ma', or 'the space in between', through which his tailoring provided a sculptural sense of space between the body and the enclosing fabric in a way that framed rather than restricted the figure. As with his creations, the outer skin of the new V&A building acts as a three-dimensional ‘folded dress’, lending the museum a distinctive form and striking identity. The angular outer skin appears different from various approaches and view points, with the distinctive facade that wraps the building creating a statement structure.

Lying at the heart of Stratford Waterfront, the new museum marks the transition between the institution buildings and the residential neighbourhood. A café to Waterfront Square and a publicly accessible roof terrace overlooks Stratford Waterfront, the Park and beyond. The building has two public entrances, one situated at the Podium level and one accessed from the square. Designed around a central core, the galleries weave together over each floor, inviting visitors to explore the building.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, stated: “The opening of V&A East Museum is a major milestone in the growing success of East Bank. It will play a big part in our capital’s world-leading cultural scene, celebrating creativity, creating opportunities and showing the power the arts can have.”

Lucy Nordberg
Tenderstream Head of Research

This tender was first published by Tenderstream on 27.10.2014 here

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