V&A to reopen Fashion Gallery as The Burberry Gallery in 2027
Supported by Burberry, the redesigned gallery will spotlight the museum’s world-class fashion collection with immersive displays and a dynamic public programme.
V&A Fashion Gallery © Victoria and Albert Museum
The V&A South Kensington has announced an exciting redevelopment of its iconic Fashion Gallery, with the revamped space set to reopen in Spring 2027 as The Burberry Gallery, supported by the British fashion house Burberry. This transformation will breathe new life into one of the museum’s most visited permanent galleries, aiming to showcase the breadth of the V&A’s world-class fashion collection through innovative and engaging displays. Accompanied by a robust programme of events both onsite and online, the gallery will offer fresh opportunities to explore fashion’s rich history and contemporary relevance. The current Fashion Gallery will close on 4 May 2025 to begin redevelopment, while access to the collection will continue at the V&A East Storehouse, opening 31 May 2025, and online at vam.ac.uk.
The V&A’s Fashion Gallery has been a cornerstone of the museum since 1962 and holds one of the largest and most comprehensive dress collections in the world—designated as the UK’s National Collection. It spans rare historical pieces like 17th-century menswear and 18th-century mantua dresses to cutting-edge contemporary couture from designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, and Molly Goddard. The collection has long served as a vital source of inspiration for fashion students, researchers, and designers. The newly reimagined gallery will not only better reflect the evolving landscape of fashion but also allow the V&A to more deeply connect with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Commenting on the partnership, V&A Director Tristram Hunt celebrated the shared heritage between the museum and Burberry, both founded in the 19th century, and emphasised their mutual commitment to education, craftsmanship, and cultural accessibility. Burberry CEO Joshua Schulman echoed this sentiment, describing the collaboration as a celebration of the UK’s legacy of innovation and creativity in fashion. The V&A continues to lead in fashion exhibitions and programming, with recent blockbusters such as Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto, Africa Fashion, and Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams. Its Fashion in Motion series remains a unique initiative, offering the public free access to professional catwalk shows, featuring designers from across the globe and cementing the museum’s role at the forefront of fashion culture.
