London’s Vagina Museum is facing imminent closure unless it secures urgent financial support. Based in Bethnal Green, the museum aims to educate the public, challenge stigma, and tackle taboos surrounding vaginal and vulva health, sexuality, and reproductive rights.
Zoe Williams, Director of the Vagina Museum, told MyLondon that the situation reflects a wider crisis in the arts sector. She said that cuts on women’s and trans rights are making it increasingly difficult for small, independent organisations to survive.
She added: “The entire arts sector is in crisis, with cuts across the board. Furthermore, around the world, we’re seeing a trend away from inclusion; women’s rights are under attack, abortion rights are being rolled back, and trans rights are under fire. All of these things are making it very difficult for us to thrive.”
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The museum’s latest exhibition - Menopause: What’s Changed? - had to be crowdfunded after more than 15 arts and heritage funders rejected it. Zoe says that funders didn’t consider menopause a priority, despite it being a common life event for half the population.
She added: “Half of us will go through menopause in our life, it's a really common life event, and it's been shrouded in silence and taboo for so long. It’s important to break through this taboo.”
The Vagina Museum has been forming various partnerships to keep itself alive. One of them is with Bethnal Green empanada shop De Nadas. Together, they’ve launched the ‘Vulvanada,’ a pastry filled with spiced peaches caramelised with ginger and cinnamon, available throughout March to raise funds for the museum.
'It’s frankly a miracle that we’re still here'
The collaboration not only supports the museum but also helps raise awareness for Endometriosis Action Month. £2 from each Vulvanada sold goes directly to the museum, offering a tasty way for locals to get involved.
Zoe praised the museum’s supporters, but stressed that it still needs help. She said: “It’s frankly a miracle that we’re still here, it’s a real testament to the power of our community. But honestly, it’s really tough out there. We rely on donations, volunteering, and all sorts of support.”
The museum has so far raised £73,000 through crowdfunding, buying time to explore alternative funding options. However, Zoe emphasised that continued public support is essential. She added: “There’s no donation too small, they all make an enormous difference.”
She also encouraged people to visit the museum in Bethnal Green. Zoe added: “Come and visit us, have a wonderful free afternoon, and share with your friends what you’ve been doing. We’re here in the world - let’s keep it that way.”
You can find the Vagina Museum at Museum 275, Vagina, 276 Poyser St, London E2 9RF. It’s open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
