Development of the Sackler Centre, 2008

The Sackler Centre for arts education at the V&A

In September 2008, the Sackler Centre for arts education at the V&A opened with generous support by the Dr Mortimer and Theresa Sackler Foundation.

Housed in the Henry Cole Wing the opening of the centre more than doubled the space previously allocated to education in the Museum and was designed to accomodate informal and self-directed learning as well as formal education.

Facilities in the centre included an art studio, digital media lab, workshops for artists in residence, a public space for display of the work of participants in the V&A's on-site and national programmes, seminar rooms and an auditorium.

The Sackler Centre design ensured that in addition to being an integral part of the Museum, the centre would be capable of functioning separately as a multipurpose arts centre and venue, operating at times outside normal Museum hours.

The Hochhauser Auditorium was generously funded by Andrew Hochhauser in memory of his parents Ruth and Romain Hochhauser.

The V&A also gratefully received support for the Sackler Centre from the the following donors:

The Zochonis Charitable Trust

The Rayne Foundation

The Peter Harrison Foundation

CHK Charities Limited

And other donors

Designer

The Sackler Centre for arts education was designed by Softroom who also designed the V&A's Members Room and the Jameel Gallery.

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This development was completed as part of FuturePlan

FuturePlan is transforming the V&A by revitalising visitor facilities and redisplaying the collections. Using the best architects and designers, we are bringing the V&A into the 21st century and restoring modern design and innovation to the heart of the museum.