tech

March 12, 2026

The V&A’s Gilbert Galleries review – a fabulous treasure trove that must be seen to be believed

Displayed in a redesigned space, Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert’s expansive collection of decorative items is not only gorgeous, at last it boldly tackles the question of where these valuables came from

The V&A’s Gilbert Galleries review – a fabulous treasure trove that must be seen to be believed

TL;DR

  • The V&A has expanded the Gilbert Collection display from four to seven rooms, showcasing about half of the 1,000-plus items.
  • The collection, bequeathed by Sir Arthur Gilbert, features European decorative works in gold and silver, Italian mosaics, and enamelled portrait miniatures.
  • The redesigned galleries emphasize provenance research, with dual captions detailing an object's history and acquisition, including how items may have been taken by force.
  • The display confronts issues of Nazi-looted art and forgeries, representing a significant change in how museums handle such complexities.
  • The exhibition encourages visitors to critically examine the origins and acquisition history of museum objects.

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