On Friday, 1st November, we threw open the doors of the National Art Library for our very first Library and Archives Discovery Day—and what a success it was! With an incredible 640 visitors streaming in, the day was brimming with excitement, curiosity, and plenty of “oohs” and “aahs” over our curated treasures.
Visitors had the chance to explore gems from our collections, including stunning books on fashion, natural history, the art of the book, and highlights from the V&A Illustration Awards. Adding even more magic to the day, a fascinating display from the V&A archives showcased rare and unique pieces from the Theatre and Performance collections, the Archive of Art and Design, and even the Museum’s own records.
It was such a joy to meet so many new faces and share the wealth of stories and inspiration housed within our collections. For the first time, we transformed our central reading room into a haven for families, with cosy reading and activity nooks that proved to be a hit! Young visitors happily dove into a delightful range of children’s books, offering a calm escape from the half-term bustle of South Kensington.
The feedback from our visitors couldn’t have been more encouraging. The enthusiasm has inspired us to make Discovery Days a regular feature, with new themes and collections each time. Mark your calendars—our next Discovery Day is coming up on Friday, 21st February, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for another day of exploration and inspiration. See you there!
Scroll down to check out some pictures from the day!
