This month there is a free Taylor Swift exhibition at the V&A

A new temporary Taylor Swift exhibition will open at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum later this month. Taylor Swift: Songbook TrailThe collection includes a range of personal items from the world-famous singer, from cowboy boots to music awards. Here’s everything you need to know before your visit.

A Swiftie guide to London

The V&A (Getty Images)

Taylor Swift: Songbook Trail: Insights into the upcoming V&A exhibition

Whether you were one of the many celebrities who attended Taylor Swift’s first leg of the Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium, or you’re eagerly awaiting her return to London in August, don’t miss a free-to-view Swift collection at the V&A.

Taylor Swift: Songbook Trail will welcome fans to the history-rich museum where they can get up close and personal with a number of Swift’s personal items, exploring everything from her childhood to her musical legacy. Many of these items will be on display for the first time. 16 looks worn by the 14-time Grammy winner will be displayed alongside instruments, storyboards, music awards and archival footage.

Grammy Award-winning singer Swift recently made waves in the UK with her successful ‘Eras ​​Tour’, which saw her perform to huge audiences in Edinburgh, Cardiff, London and Liverpool, with Liverpool renaming itself ‘Taylor Town’ in honour of her arrival.

The free trail was curated to celebrate the huge success of The Eras Tour and to celebrate Swift’s ultra-creative costumes, lyrics and music videos. A pop icon and global phenomenon, Taylor Swift: Songbook Trail will also explore the artist’s groundbreaking impact and the phenomenon of the “Swiftie” fan base.

The news follows the V&A’s job advertisement for a Swiftie expert earlier this year. Known as the “Superfan Advisor”, the Songbook Trail the first fruits of the person who grabbed the coveted role?

“We are delighted to present a series of iconic Taylor Swift looks at the V&A this summer – each celebrating a chapter of the artist’s musical journey,” says Kate Bailey, the V&A’s senior curator of theatre and drama. “Taylor Swift’s songs, like objects, tell stories, often drawing on art, history and literature. We hope this theatrical tour of the museum will inspire curious visitors to learn more about the artist, her creativity and the V&A’s objects.”

A still from Taylor Swift’s music video “Willow”. © TAS Rights Management, LLC

What is on display?

Divided into 13 stops (Taylor’s lucky number), Taylor Swift: Songbook Trail aptly follows a winding trail of the key “eras” of Swift’s life through the V&A’s permanent collections, showcasing the chapters of her music career and highlighting key milestones, including her move to Nashville at age 14. Key items fans can see include the cowboy boots Swift wore during the 2007 Soul2Soul II tour, when she opened for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, and the black frilly dress Swift wears in the music video for “Fortnight.”

Each installation was designed by award-winning designer Tom Piper, best known for his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Tower of London and the previous V&A exhibition. Alice: Stranger and Stranger.

Where?

Through the permanent exhibition rooms at the V&A South Kensington (Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL). A digital map of the tour is available to visitors.

When?

Taylor Swift: Songbook Trail runs from 27 July to 8 September 2024. The V&A is open daily from 10:00 to 17:45.

Do you need a ticket?

No ticket required. For more information about visiting, visit vaam.ac.uk