My visit to the V&A this time reminded me once again how fascinating this museum is. It’s full of beautiful and diverse collections, each gallery offering something different to linger on. But what interested me most were not the grand displays, but the small, hidden interactive installations that quietly invite visitors to engage.
I remember one cabinet that required you to open a small door to see what the object used to be—and you could only view it through a reflection in a mirror. That indirect way of seeing felt mysterious, as if I was peeking into another layer of time.
There was another installation where, after opening the cabinet, you would find a painting inside. But the image of the old castle only became clear when you pressed a small light button within—the light illuminated the scene, allowing the painting to fully reveal itself. That simple act of illumination felt ritualistic—your gesture became part of the exhibition itself.
These subtle interactions made me realise that exhibitions are not only meant to be looked at—they are also asking to be looked with. They gently invite participation and reward curiosity. There were many similar devices I didn’t capture in photos, but they all left a deep impression on me. They made the museum feel alive, not just as a space of display, but as a space of discovery.