The wait is over, David Bowie fans! Get ready to immerse yourself in the most incredible treasure trove of artefacts that will hit the UK's major cities next year. The 'David Bowie: On Tour' exhibition is a game-changer, offering an unprecedented look into the mind of one of Britain's most influential artists. With over 100 jaw-dropping pieces on display, some of which have never been seen by the public before, this spectacular tour will leave you in awe.
Starting at the V&A Dundee in November 2026, the exhibition promises to reveal the breadth of Bowie's creative genius. Visitors will get up close and personal with iconic items such as Kansai Yamamoto's flamboyant costumes for Ziggy Stardust, Bowie's childhood saxophone, and even the house keys from his Berlin apartment – talk about a piece of history! A particularly intriguing item on display will be a script for an episode of the popular animated series, The Simpsons, which Bowie famously declined to star in. It's a glimpse into the mind of a true visionary.
Harriet Reed, contemporary performance curator at the V&A, highlights that the archive is like peering into the creative inner workings of a restless genius – an artist always pushing boundaries and striving for perfection. The exhibition is structured into four distinct parts: 'Bowie Through a Lens' will take you behind the camera lens to explore his photographic collaborations; 'All the Somebody People' will delve into his studio and stage work, including handwritten album notes and instruments like the koto from 'Heroes'; 'Hooked to the Silver Screen' will showcase his cinematic endeavours, from 'Labyrinth' to 'The Snowman'; and 'I Can’t Give Everything Away' will examine Bowie's meticulous archiving habits – a true reflection of his dedication to preserving his art.
The tour will connect with locations significant to Bowie's life and legacy. Following Dundee, where he performed during the Ziggy Stardust tour in 1973, the exhibition will move to Showtown in Blackpool, a city where David Bowie and the Buzz played in 1966. Subsequent stops include the Bowes Museum in County Durham, the Ferens Art Gallery in Hull – the hometown of his Spiders from Mars backing band – and Bristol, another city Bowie visited on his 1973 Ziggy Stardust tour. More venues are anticipated to be announced, extending the reach of this unique cultural offering.
This national tour follows the V&A's highly successful global exhibition of Bowie's archive, which ran from 2013 to 2018, captivating audiences across Europe, the Americas, Japan, and Australia. The permanent Bowie Centre at the V&A East Storehouse opened last September, cementing the museum's commitment to preserving and showcasing his enduring impact on music, fashion, and culture. The V&A has a strong track record with music-themed exhibitions, with past displays honouring artists like Annie Lennox and Pink Floyd – proof that their popular appeal is here to stay.
Source: V&A