The Young V&A (formerly known as the V&A Museum of Childhood) in Bethnal Green, London, was officially opened by the Princess of Wales, Kate, today. The museum, which will open to the public on July 1st, has undergone a three-year transformation, with significant input from local schoolchildren, parents, and teachers. Their ideas for the displays and architectural features have played a crucial role in the museum’s new design.
The Young V&A features three newly constructed galleries named Play, Imagine, and Design. Each gallery is tailored to specific age groups, from babies to teenagers, and showcases nearly 2,000 objects from the V&A’s collections in innovative and playful ways. The aim is to inspire children’s creativity by presenting these objects in a fresh and engaging manner.
During her visit, Kate spent time with toddlers and children in each of the galleries. She also had the opportunity to meet with staff, supporters, and donors who have contributed to the reopening of the museum. HELLO! will be sharing exclusive photos from her outing, capturing the highlights of the event.
Kate’s Role as Royal Patron
In 2018, Kate became the first royal patron of the V&A. Since then, she has made several visits to the museum and its buildings. Her patronage aligns with her interest in visual arts, photography, and design. Moreover, her recent visit to the Young V&A reflects her focus on the importance of early years and how experiences during this period shape adulthood.
For the opening of the Young V&A, Kate wore a pink Beulah London dress, which she had previously sported at Wimbledon in 2021. She completed her ensemble with white heels and her Mappin & Webb diamond earrings.
A Busy Week for the Princess
This week has been eventful for the royal mum-of-three. On Tuesday, she officially opened a family-friendly residential center in Southampton, which assists women going through the justice system. During this visit, Kate was reunited with Lady Edwina Grosvenor, a close friend of the royal family and Princess Diana’s goddaughter, who accompanied her on a tour of the Hope Street center.
Looking ahead, Kate is expected to attend Wimbledon next week, beginning on July 3rd. As the patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), she will be present to support the tournament. In a recent short film, she collaborated with Swiss tennis star Roger Federer to emphasize the essential role played by the Wimbledon Ball Boys and Girls. Given her love for tennis, the Princess impressed royal watchers with her skills during a doubles match with the eight-time Wimbledon champion.
In summary, the Princess of Wales, Kate, opened the newly-revamped Young V&A museum, which has been transformed with the involvement of local schoolchildren, parents, and teachers. The museum features three galleries designed to inspire creativity in children of all ages. Kate’s visit aligns with her role as royal patron of the V&A and her interest in the visual arts and design. Additionally, she recently opened a family-friendly residential center in Southampton and is expected to attend Wimbledon next week.
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