At a glance
From lovers rock to grime, Black British music becomes a 125-year story of migration, resistance, creativity and joy.
Why go
The inaugural exhibition of the new V&A East Museum combines objects with a soundtrack of more than 120 tracks to tell a cultural history too often fragmented across genres.
You'll see
Joan Armatrading · Jungle · Grime · Lovers rock · UK garage · Fashion · Photography · Instruments · Sound
Pace of visit
Sound-led and information-rich. The headset experience makes this slower than a conventional object display.
Don't miss
Don’t skip genres you think you know less about — the historical transitions between music scenes are the exhibition’s strongest element.
Artlovers Tip
Follow the sound rather than the objects first. This exhibition works best through your ears.
Inside the exhibition
Description
125 years of Black music-making in Britain. Spanning four continents, this is a story of excellence, struggle, resilience and joy.
From the slow sway of Lovers Rock, to the basslines of Jungle, to the raw energy of Grime - sound has shaped generations of British culture.
The Music is Black: A British Story at V&A East Museum is our first exhibition exploring 125 years of music, style and community that changed the UK.
Exhibition
The Music is Black: A British Story
Contemporary Art
Photography
Artlovers relevance
60-90 mins
Plan your visit
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Hours & rating from Google
