V&A Museum's Upcoming Exhibition Shines on London's Lost Music Venues – Your Contribution Matters

Explore London's lost music venues through the V&A Museum's 2026 exhibition and contribute your memorabilia from 1988-2025 to preserve grassroots music history.

London’s V&A Museum to Celebrate Lost Music Venues

London’s iconic V&A Museum is set to host a captivating exhibition dedicated to the city’s lost music venues, shining a light on the rich heritage of grassroots music spaces that have shaped the cultural fabric of the city. Launching in 2026, this exhibition aims to showcase the legacy of independent venues that have sadly closed their doors over the years.

The Victoria and Albert Museum in London, hosting the upcoming exhibition.

A Call for Public Contributions: Your Artefacts Needed!

To make this exhibition truly special, the V&A Museum is collaborating with the Music Venue Trust and inviting the public to come forward with their personal collections. Whether you have flyers, posters, photographs, set lists, equipment, or even clothing from any independent club or music venue, your items can help complete this historic collection.

You can submit artefacts and music ephemera dating from 1988 up until 2025. The deadline for submissions is May 31 of this year. Contributors can send their items to the museum’s dedicated email: [email protected].

“We’re proudly working with the V&A on an exciting new project that champions grassroots music venues and their cultural legacy – and you can be a part of it.”
– Music Venue Trust

What Are They Looking For?

The exhibition focuses on the significance of grassroots and independent venues, ranging from beloved pub spaces to vibrant nightclubs across the UK. The organizers are seeking a diverse array of items including:

• Flyers and posters
• Signage and flooring
• Equipment such as DJ decks and microphones
• Set lists and photographs
• Film footage
• Designs and clothing

If you have ever treasured memorabilia from a local venue, now’s the time to share and preserve these important pieces of music history.

A Time of Crisis for Live Music Venues

This exhibition arrives amid challenging times for small and independent music venues. Many have struggled to survive, and the situation has sparked proposals to support grassroots music sustainably. One idea gaining traction is a £1 ticket levy on arena-sized venues and above, with proceeds funnelled back into the grassroots scene to nurture emerging talent.

Music Venue Trust champions grassroots music venues.

A recent survey revealed overwhelming support for this measure, with 93% of 8,000 music fans strongly in favor, highlighting the community's desire to protect and grow live music culture.

Backing From Big Names & Positive Impact

Artists such as Coldplay, Sam Fender, Enter Shikari, and Katy Perry have publicly supported the ticket levy initiative. Thanks to this effort, over £580,000 has been reinvested into grassroots music venues through 147 grants, helping these vital cultural hubs stay afloat.

The Harsh Reality: Venue Closures and Touring Challenges

Startling statistics earlier this year highlighted the precarious state of live music in the UK:

• 70.6% of independent UK acts have never toured.
• 84% of unsigned artists cannot afford to tour.
• The UK lost one grassroots music venue every two weeks in 2024.
• Nearly half of these venues are operating at a loss.
• Over 200 venues remain in a "state of emergency."

With closures accelerating, the exhibition serves as a critical reminder of these spaces’ vital role in nurturing musical talent and community.

Government Steps to Protect Live Music

In response to this crisis, the UK government is exploring measures to protect live music venues and fans. This includes looking at capping resale ticket prices to combat touting and conducting consultations to regulate controversial dynamic pricing practices.

Get Involved and Celebrate the Spirit of Live Music

The V&A Museum’s ‘Lost Music Venues’ exhibition is a unique opportunity for music lovers to engage with an important piece of cultural history. By contributing your memorabilia, you help preserve the stories and spirit of venues that have defined generations of musicians and fans alike.

FAQs

• What is the deadline for submitting memorabilia to the exhibition?
  May 31 of this year is the final date to send items for consideration.
• What types of items can I submit for the exhibition?
  Flyers, posters, signage, equipment, set lists, photos, film footage, DJ decks, microphones, clothing, and designs from venues.
• What years do the submissions need to cover?
  Items should date between 1988 and 2025.
• Who is collaborating with the V&A Museum on this exhibition?
  The Music Venue Trust is working alongside the museum to curate the collection.
• How does the £1 ticket levy support grassroots music?
  The levy on larger venues redistributes funds back into grassroots venues, helping them survive and nurture upcoming talent.

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