Exhibition
The Music is Black: A British Story
Closes Sunday, 3 January 2027
Weekday £22.50 / Weekend £24.50
V&A East Museum
Step into The Music is Black: A British Story and travel through time as over 120 tracks from every era play directly through your headset. More than an exhibition, this immersive sound experience explores the power and impact of Black British music.
Exhibition
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Closes Sunday, 3 January 2027
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V&A East Museum
107 Carpenters Rd
London, E20 2AR
- Weekday £22.50 / Weekend £24.50
Under 26 tickets £11
Summer Student tickets £9.50
Art Fund tickets £10
Members visit free
Unlimited entry to all exhibitions.
Our partners at the BBC have created a season of content across iPlayer and Sounds inspired by The Music is Black.
Exhibition highlights
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India Fleming, Skin performing in Clit Rock suit made by Daniel Pollitt at Glastonbury, 2022
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Stagewear customised and worn by DJ Paulette, 1992. Made by Knickerbox
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Acoustic guitar, 1964. Donated by Joan Armatrading
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So Solid Crew, Battersea Park, 2001
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Big Mama Thornton for Arhoolie Records, about 1958 – 70
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Skepta and Jammer, Run the Road, Fabric, 2005, London, England
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Sign for The Blue Note club, made by Tom Hingston, 1993
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Mis-Teeq, 2003
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Against Racism during The Specials’ set, gelatin silver print (printed 2012), 1981, Potternewton Park, Leeds
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Features
read\
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Five things to know about The Music is Black: A British Story
read\
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The Music is Black Playlist \
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Every song featured in the audio soundscape for The Music is Black: A British Story at V&A East Museum
read\
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The voices behind the hits – spotlighting British backing and featured singers \
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Spotlighting 14 talented British singers you might have never seen but will almost certainly have heard
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V&A PUBLICATION\
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The Music is Black: A British Story exhibition book\
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£20
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Junglist Movement red t-shirt\
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£35
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Oversized iridescent hand fan\
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£20
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Deji wax print cotton headband\
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£20
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Junglist chain necklace by Hoops & Chains\
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£35
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V&A EXCLUSIVE\
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Beat Girl pin badge\
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£5
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Kasai purple socks by Afropop\
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£12
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Music cassette enamel pin\
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£7
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V&A EXCLUSIVE\
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Brothers in Jazz large tote bag\
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£35
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V&A EXCLUSIVE\
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Sepia Butterfly - 30 x 30 cm print\
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£18
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Link chain necklace\
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£24
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Ewa wax print cotton pouch\
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£20
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Dashiki black & white socks by Afropop\
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£12
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Ankara wax print crossbody bag\
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£40
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V&A EXCLUSIVE\
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The Music Is Black exhibition poster - Lovers Rock\
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£5
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V&A EXCLUSIVE\
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Disco in Wolverhampton - 14 x 11" mounted print\
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£15
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Ayo wax print cotton scrunchie\
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£15
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V&A EXCLUSIVE\
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The Music is Black tote bag\
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£15
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V&A EXCLUSIVE\
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The Music is Black exhibition poster - Grime\
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£5
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Vintage stereo receiver enamel pin\
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£11
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V&A EXCLUSIVE\
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The Music Is Black pack of 30 postcards\
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£15
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V&A EXCLUSIVE\
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Spirit of Carnival - 11 x 14" print\
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£15
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Chunky heart huggie earrings\
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£15
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Vintage record player enamel pin\
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£11
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