Phase 2

Phase 2 of the Museum's Masterplan concentrated on the development of essential facilities for the Museum's priority audiences of schools and community groups. It continued the implementation of the interpretative strategy which began with the redisplay of the Upper Galleries in Phase 1 and which was rolled out to the Mezzanine Galleries.

Specific improvements to the Museum include:

• The construction of a stylish, welcoming new entrance which enables groups to move more freely, easing congestion at peak times;

• A new gallery, located within the foyer, which is dedicated to displaying artwork and installations from the Museum's community programme;

• The construction of a lift near the entrance foyer so that all levels of the Museum are fully accessible;

• The re-configuration of the north basement to create improved lunchroom, cloakroom and toilet facilities; and

• A new learning centre which has doubled the capacity for school groups and created a designated space for community art and craft workshops.

The Displays

The infrastructure of the Mezzanine Galleries has been improved and the displays redeveloped. In line with the Upper Galleries, the Mezzanine Galleries incorporate additional space for activities. The new themes for the displays are:

• Creativity & Imagination: looking at imagination, inspiration, exploration and 'having a go' using the Museum's diverse collections;

• Moving & Optical Toys: exploring the science and technology of movement and the moving image through the Museum's internationally-recognised collection of Moving and Optical Toys;

Design

The V&A Museum of Childhood worked with local East End architects Caruso St John, who completed Phase 1 and are widely respected for their award-winning new Art Gallery, Walsall.