Open to interpretation

Everything in our collection has a story to tell. And the way we tell it is through what we call interpretation. The V&A Interpretation Team edits the text labels you read and commissions everything from films and audios to games and immersive experiences, to explain our objects’ stories to visitors.

We work with curators to understand the many meanings of an object and we consider audiences’ needs and interests to decide how best to explain them. How would you interpret the objects you see above and below?

Written by: V&A Interpretation Team
Published: May 2025

Description: ‘Magis Clouds’ sculpture for gallery setworks in Young V&A
Maker: Benedetta Mori Ubaldini

Description: Selection of exhibition label prototypes edited by interpretation text editors
Maker: V&A Design Department

Description: Selection of tombstone labels edited by interpretation text editors
Maker: V&A Design Department

Description: Sound hood used to play audio in galleries
Credit: Purchased by the V&A Visitor Technology Department

Description: Red phone used to listen to audio in the galleries
Credit: Purchased by the V&A Visitor Technology Department

Working Museum