Throughout history, female voices have been overlooked with stories unwritten. But this International Women’s Day, a brand-new museum will open in London to change and challenge this unnerving pattern. Women’s Museum will be opening its doors on March 8providing a space for exhibitions and events all highlighting the achievements of women.
The new museum celebrates the stories, heritage, and role of women and girlsboth in the Barking and Dagenham area, and beyond. Tackling important conversations, their exhibitions and events promise to create a dialogue, considering the issues relevant to our collective and diverse experiences, told from a female perspective.
Their commitment to diversity is apparent throughout their ethos, providing not only insight but a safe and engaging space for all identities, abilities, and backgrounds to delve into stories celebrating womanhood.
Originally called The East End Women’s Museum, the project was founded back in 2015 in response to the opening of Jack the Ripper Museum, but has since operated without a building, organising events, workshops, and pop-up exhibitions with local partners across London, including London Jazz Fest.
Now they finally have a brick-and-mortar location in Barking, led by New Town Culturethe ongoing curatorial project from Barking and Dagenham Council, supporting artistic and cultural practices on a local level.
Sara Huws, co-founder of the East End Women’s Museum said: “Women make history too. But without their voices and experiences, the history books are only telling half the story. We want to put women back in the picture, and share new perspectives on east London’s rich history.”
With the grand opening comes an all-new inaugural exhibition curated by Nephertiti Oboshie Schandorf entitled An Idea Of Lifefeaturing newly commissioned artworks by Lesley Asare, Meera Shakti Osborne, and Sarina Mantle. There will be an exciting programme of events and activities to coincide so be sure to keep an eye on their website for more information.
This exciting news comes shortly after the Overground rebrand, with the nearest station soon to be a part of the Suffragette Line, celebrating London’s ties with activism and the Suffragette Movement.
You can find Women’s Museum at 4-5 Barking Wharf Squareopening on International Women’s Day on March 8. The nearest tube station is Barking.
