The Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum in London has opened seven new galleries showcasing one of the most complete collections of ceramics worldwide.

The 3,000 objects on display dating back to 2500 BC include Ming dynasty Chinese porcelain, Dutch Delftware ordered by Queen Mary for Hampton Court Palace and a vase painted by Picasso.

A gallery dedicated to Architectural Ceramics contains large-scale objects, while a further two rooms are devoted respectively to factory and handmade 20th century collections and another gallery accommodates contemporary works.

The museum's first temporary display - Objects of Luxury - celebrates 18th century French porcelain.

The techniques of ceramic production are also explained in a new workshop area, where visitors can make, decorate and fire their own pottery, while a part-reconstruction of Dame Lucie Rie's studio shows film footage of the famous potter at work.

Mark Jones, director of the V&A, said: "The ceramics collection is one of the greatest glories of the museum. With these new galleries, it is set to become the world's leading resource for international ceramics."

Funding for the redevelopment came from the Headley Trust and Sir Timothy Sainsbury, with support from the Ronald and Rita McAulay Foundation, DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund and other private donors.

Phase two of the Ceramics Galleries improvement scheme will be completed in 2010 to present a further 26,000 objects displayed in large cases accompanied by more in-depth information, as well as to provide a new Study Centre.

Stanton Williams designed phase one of the project, while OPERA Amsterdam will be working on phase two.