Running until the end of September, the museum’s late-night programme brings together DJ residencies, pop-up bars, after-hours exhibition access and sweeping city views from its top-floor terrace every Thursday until 10pm
Running until the end of September, the museum’s late-night programme brings together DJ residencies, pop-up bars, after-hours exhibition access and sweeping city views from its top-floor terrace every Thursday until 10pm.
Also joining the programme on Thursday 27th August, for one night only, is artist, photographer, and filmmaker Gabriel Moses for the latest edition of V&A East’s A Life in the Work of Others.
In conversation with V&A East curator Josephine Small, Moses will reflect on the influences, experiences and collaborations that have shaped his creative practice, from work with artists including Dave, Skepta and Little Simz to campaigns for Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Dior.
While the free event is currently sold out, a limited allocation of walk-up tickets will be available on the night on a first come, first served basis.
Visitors can also enjoy a rare screening of Moses’ first narrative-led film, The Last Hour (2025), in the Why We Make galleries’ Film Room. The film explores themes of legacy, morality, purpose and unresolved connections, delving into what really matters as time is running out.
At the heart of the Thursday night programme is upperground, a free series of rotating DJ residencies inspired by The Music is Black: A British Story.
From dancehall, amapiano and garage to house, jungle and afrotech, upperground transforms the museum’s Upper Ground level into a vibrant and inclusive late-night dancefloor, with a pop-up bar by Café Jikoni, offering bespoke cocktails, craft beers, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks.
On Thursday 27th August, presented in partnership with BBC Introducing as part of the BBC’s The Music is Black season inspired by the museum’s exhibition, DJ Karen Nyame KG takes over upperground.
A pioneer of the UK funky movement and dubbed the “Goddess of Rhythm”, Karen Nyame KG follows previous sets staged at the museum by Josh Caffé, Polyjammerous and Gloria Rose.
V&A East Director, Dr Gus Casely-Hayford, said: “Museums are at their most powerful when they bring people together around ideas, stories and shared experiences.
“Our Thursday late nights at V&A East Museum create a space where music, art, food and conversation meet. Inspired by The Music is Black: A British Story, they offer new ways to engage with the artists and cultural movements shaping our world today. We look forward to welcoming visitors to experience the museum after dark, and to make it their own.”
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