The Young Victoria & Albert Museum (YV&A) started life as the Museum of Bethnal Green, built in 1872, before becoming part of the South Kensington Museum.
Its aim was to bring art and design education to the masses, and it displayed objects from various cultures and periods, such as ceramics, textiles, metalwork, and furniture. In 1974 the museum became the Museum of Childhood, which focused on the social and material history of childhood. It displayed toys, games, dolls, costumes, and other objects related to children’s lives from the 16th century to the present day. It also hosted exhibitions, events and activities for children and families.
In July 2023 the building reopened as the YV&A after a £13 million transformation project to refurbish and modernise the building, creating new galleries and spaces and showcasing new objects from the V&A collection. MCD Heritage were one of the first contractors to be appointed to deliver the Japan: Myths and Manga exhibition build at the museum.
This complex exhibition build saw tradesmen from MCD Heritage construct bespoke scenic painted walls, set build walls and showcases. The team assisted with the install of AV bringing the exhibition alive in the true spirit of playfulness and imagination that lies in the heart of Japanese culture. The team worked closely with the exhibition artist and curator to produce this incredible effect in an amazing five week turn around.