At V&A East Storehouse in Hackney Wick, London, the David Bowie Centre is set to open—a space devoted entirely to the life, art, and boundless creativity of David Bowie. The most striking feature of the Centre is the artist’s vast archive—over 90,000 items including photographs, manuscripts, costumes, personal journals, letters, and treasured memorabilia—which together offer a comprehensive view of Bowie’s artistic quests and transformations.

The exhibition does not focus merely on Bowie’s finished works, but also on his process: sketches, rejected ideas, record label refusals, and unrealised collaborations. Through nine towering display cases and curated presentation, visitors can trace how each phase of his career was shaped via experimentation, exploration, and often transgression of boundaries.

The costumes inspire wonder: a multitude of designers and eras—from the flamboyance of the Ziggy Stardust era to the elegance of Mugler—employing fabrics that cross gender boundaries, challenging norms of dress, merging high fashion with performance. The collection excludes nothing—even items that were never completed or presented publicly are treated as essential testimonies to the creative journey.

Admission is free, but access is via timed ticket reservations to ensure a high-quality visitor experience. The Centre officially opens to the public on 13 September 2025, following a members-only preview.

 Photos Courtesy of Victoria and Albert Museum