In a landmark collaboration set to reshape the future of fashion curation and public engagement, Burberry has announced a transformative partnership with the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A). The fashion powerhouse will support the V&A’s ongoing mission to foster creativity and heritage through the renovation of the iconic Fashion Gallery, which will be exclusively renamed The Burberry Gallery upon its reopening in spring 2027. This ambitious multi-year project underscores the shared legacy of both institutions: two British cultural icons, bound by a commitment to heritage, innovation, and the celebration of creativity.

A Visionary Transformation

The V&A’s Fashion Gallery, one of the museum’s largest and most visited permanent spaces, has not undergone a significant redevelopment since 1962. Burberry’s involvement will spearhead a reimagining of the space, taking it beyond a traditional museum experience to a fully immersive and participatory environment. The gallery will continue to display the V&A’s world-class fashion collection, which spans five centuries, while incorporating new and innovative methods of engagement that invite visitors to explore the history of fashion in dynamic ways.

This transformation promises to create a future-facing space that goes beyond the traditional museum visit. The Burberry Gallery will serve as a beacon of British fashion and cultural history, drawing on Burberry’s long-standing support of arts and culture. From the V&A’s archives to contemporary fashion exhibitions, the gallery will provide an interactive learning experience that aims to inspire both new generations of creatives and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

Fostering Creativity for Generations to Come

For Burberry, this partnership is more than just a cultural investment—it’s a deepening of the brand’s commitment to nurturing creativity. Joshua Schulman, CEO of Burberry, shares his excitement for the collaboration, noting, “Burberry’s partnership with the V&A marks a milestone moment for British arts and culture. It unites two centuries-old cultural icons with a shared legacy of heritage and innovation, and a commitment to championing creativity. We are so thrilled to come together with the V&A team to celebrate the rich history of fashion and to develop an immersive space that will inspire creative minds for generations to come.”

As part of the reopening, The Burberry Gallery will feature not only Burberry’s own rich design legacy but also that of numerous designers, offering a broader view of British and global fashion history. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with pieces from renowned brands and individuals, creating a truly diverse experience that celebrates the creative vision of both past and present.

Celebrating British Fashion at the Heart of London

The announcement of this partnership adds to Burberry’s already impressive roster of collaborations with British cultural institutions. From presenting its Winter 2025 collection at Tate Britain to showing its Summer 2025 collection at London’s National Theatre, Burberry has firmly positioned itself at the heart of London’s cultural landscape. The partnership with the V&A marks another step in the brand’s dedication to supporting the arts and engaging with the next generation of creative minds.

As Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A, explains, “For over 150 years, the V&A and Burberry have been pillars of British fashion. Global in our reach, whilst champions of UK art and design, we share a commitment to ensuring our proud heritage inspires the next generation of creatives. This partnership allows us to share the V&A’s incredible collections in new and accessible ways and, with Burberry, support education and craftsmanship across the country.”

A Cultural Legacy for the Future

With the Fashion Gallery closing its doors on May 4, 2025, for renovation, the world-renowned V&A collection will remain accessible through the V&A East Storehouse and online platforms. The transformation of the Fashion Gallery into The Burberry Gallery will not only elevate the V&A’s collections but also provide a global platform for fashion education, fostering creativity through various onsite, offline, and online activities.

In the words of Burberry’s CEO, “This is about more than just fashion; it’s about creativity, education, and the future of design.” With Burberry’s continued dedication to supporting the arts, this partnership will no doubt leave a lasting legacy on both the fashion world and the broader cultural landscape.

The opening of The Burberry Gallery in 2027 will undoubtedly be a milestone moment for the V&A, Burberry, and the future of fashion. It will be a space where heritage and innovation meet, a testament to the enduring power of British craftsmanship, and a place where visitors of all ages can experience and be inspired by the creativity that defines both the V&A and Burberry.

As one of the world’s most iconic luxury brands, Burberry continues to set the standard for how heritage and innovation can coexist to shape the future of fashion. With this partnership, Burberry and the V&A are ensuring that the legacy of British fashion will be celebrated and passed on to future generations in the most dynamic and accessible ways possible.

Written By: Lydia Kelly

Published: 1st April 2025