The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London has long been a custodian of cultural heritage, and in recent years, it has emerged as a trailblazer in the realm of digital art.

From early computer-generated drawings and algorithmic art to emojis and personal organizers, the V&A’s collection of over 3,000 digital art and design objects spans decades, reflecting the dynamic interplay between art, design, and technology.

These works, created by individuals and corporations alike, tell the evolving story of how digital innovation shapes the way we live, work, and create together.

*Apple II computer, designed by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Jerry Manock, 1977, United States. Museum no. CD.42-2018. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London*

V&A’s Digital Art & Design Collection

The Victoria and Albert Museum’s digital art collection has its roots in 1969 when the Circulation Department acquired its first examples of digital objects. At the time, the museum’s Circulation Department was tasked with collecting experimental works, including those that reflected the emerging field of digital art.

Early acquisitions also included digital design works presented as prints, such as the 1999 addition of a Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawing for Tom Dixon’s Pylon Chair. While contemporary standards might favor acquiring digital files, the paper print was, at the time, deemed a sufficient representation of the digital production process, reflecting the museum’s evolving understanding of how to document and preserve digital creativity.

A pivotal moment came in 2019, when the Design, Architecture, and Digital Department explicitly incorporated digital objects into its collecting goals. This shift recognized the increasingly digital nature of design’s role in society. The subsequent merger of the digital art collection with the Design and Digital section in 2020 further strengthened the museum’s approach, enabling curators with expertise in digital design and digital art to collaborate more effectively.

*Notation p.1 for M3x3 computer dance film, by Analivia Cordeiro, 1973, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Museum no. E.695:3-2017. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London*

Digital Art Season in V&A

A brilliant initiative at the museum is their Digital Art Season – the event series underscores V&A’s commitment to engaging with the present and future of digital creativity. The program of artist talks, commissions, workshops, and film screenings celebrate the diverse realms of digital art while posing critical questions about technology and its impact on culture. From exploring the aesthetics of algorithms to examining the ethical dimensions of AI, the V&A continues to inspire conversations about the role of technology in our lives.

V&A’s Visionary Digital Art Curators

V&A’s pioneering efforts would not be possible without the three remarkable curators who bring their expertise and passion to the museum’s digital art collection.

Melanie Lenz, the museum’s digital art curator, has championed the acquisition and exhibition of groundbreaking works that explore the intersection of art and technology. Pita Arreola, an expert in contemporary culture and trends, leverages a global network of artists to connect emerging and established practitioners with the museum’s mission. And Corinna Gardner, senior curator of design and digital, leads the Rapid Response Collecting program, ensuring that the museum captures the fast-evolving world of digital art in real-time.

Together, these curators have co-authored Digital Art: 1960s to Now, a comprehensive new book that charts the evolution of digital art from its beginnings to the present day. This richly illustrated history draws on the V&A’s unparalleled collection, offering decade-by-decade essays and interviews with artists, gallerists, curators, and collectors.

The book examines key themes in digital art, such as artificial intelligence, computer animation, simulation, and cybernetics, while linking them to broader social, political, and technological contexts. It features works by pioneers like Analivia Cordeiro, Vera Molnar, and Frieder Nake, alongside contemporary voices such as Trevor Paglen, Anna Ridler, and Nye Thompson, offering a panoramic view of digital art’s transformative impact.

*Photographic still from the video game 'Cube Quest', by Paul Allen Newell, about 1984, United States. Museum no. E.986-2008. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London*

The Legacy of the Victoria and Albert Museum

Founded in 1852, the V&A has always been at the forefront of celebrating art and design in all its forms. Known for its commitment to preserving and showcasing the cutting edge of creativity, the museum plays a vital role in shaping how we understand and appreciate cultural innovation.

Its embrace of digital art not only preserves its rich history but also ensures that future generations can engage with the evolving narrative of art in the digital age. Through its visionary curators, pioneering collections, and programs like the Digital Art Season, the V&A cements its place as a global leader in the preservation, appreciation, and celebration of digital art.