Re-opening of the Exhibition Road tunnel, 2004
View of the Exhibition Road tunnel.
In 2004, the tunnel entrance which had previously been closed off was re-opened to provide the Museum with a third entrance, giving visitors access from the public subway that runs from South Kensington underground station to the three museums in the area. The V&A is the only museum to have direct access to South Kensington underground station.
The refurbishment by Eva Jiricna Architects was contemporary yet respectful to the historic fabric of the building. Its main features included a new glass and steel staircase, a stunning blue glass resin floor, the restoration of the original wall tiles, steel and ironwork, and three new sets of doors.
The blue glow from the new lighting spine created a dramatic atmosphere to entice the public into the Museum. There was also provision for future installation of a wheelchair lift when South Kensington station becomes fully accessible.
Designer
The designer was Eva Jiricna Architects Limited (EJAL).
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.
Queen Elizabeth II by Cecil Beaton
8 February – 22 April 2012
Featuring portraits of Queen Elizabeth II by royal photographer Cecil Beaton, this exhibition celebrates Her Majesty in her roles as princess, monarch and mother and coincides with the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne.
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'Exhibition in a Box' by Tom Martin
'Exhibition in a Box' by Tom Martin for the V&A Cherry on the Cake: Paper collection.
Buy nowEvent - Albertopolis: the Development of South Kensington's Cultural Quarter
Wed 29 February 2012 13:00
LUNCHTIME LECTURE: Discover how the area of South Kensington developed into the world-renowned cultural quarter that it is today. Join Susan Pugh, co-curator of the current display in the Museum's Architecture Gallery, to learn more about the area’s origins in the Great Exhibition of 1851, the history of the various institutions along Exhibition Road, and also a look in to its future.
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