Dave Hill from OnLondon and Leanne Tritton, The London Society talk to Tim Reeve, COO of the V&A, about how culture can shape the future of London—and why it matters for the city’s next generation of places.
Drawing on the V&A’s work at East Bank in the Olympic Park, Tim shares how projects like the V&A East Museum and Storehouse are rethinking what a museum can be: open, accessible and embedded in the life of local communities. From behind-the-scenes access to working collections to bold public art, these initiatives are designed to engage new audiences and make culture feel relevant.
We explore how this approach is attracting a younger, more diverse audience, helping to rebuild trust in national institutions and demonstrating the role culture can play in social change. The conversation also looks ahead, asking whatLondon's New Towns Enfield and Thamesmead can learn as they develop their own identities.
More broadly, Tim reflects on London’s evolving cultural landscape, where activity is no longer concentrated in the centre but spread across the city—creating a more inclusive and dynamic model for the future.
If you’re interested in how culture can help shape better places, this episode offers a compelling and practical perspective.
00:00 - Introduction to the V&A East Museum and its mission
01:00 - The family of V&A museums and upcoming East Bank opening
01:46 - The theme of making and East London heritage
02:45 - Location significance and historical context of East Bank
03:04 - Opening date and visitor experience overview
03:32 - Sculpture \"A Place Beyond\" and its symbolism
04:17 - Collaboration with artist Thomas J. Price and community focus
05:13 - Representation of East London in art and impact of public artworks
06:22 - Inside the new building designed by Dublin-based O'Donnell and Toomey
07:25 - Culinary and architectural features of the V&A East Museum
07:55 - The \"We Make\" galleries: showcasing collections and new commissions
09:11 - Temporary exhibitions and public programs including Terrace views
09:34 - The success of the Storehouse reserve collection and visitor engagement
10:47 - The innovative approach to behind-the-scenes accessibility
12:12 - Visitor numbers and the cultural significance of expanding access
13:12 - Connecting East London with the national collections and community outreach
14:42 - Demographic insights: young, ethnically diverse visitors
15:46 - The broader Olympic Park legacy and its role in urban regeneration
21:21 - The origin and development of the East Bank cultural quarter post-Olympics
23:39 - Political commitment and the evolution of the cultural vision for London
30:41 - Dispersal of cultural institutions across different London districts
31:30 - Success stories like the Childhood Museum and flagship exhibitions
33:39 - The long-term strategy behind blockbuster exhibitions and innovation
34:49 - Summary and closing thoughts on London's cultural future
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