David Bowie Centre at the V&A: A New Home for Bowie Memorabilia

David Bowie’s influence on music, fashion, and art is undeniable. As we approach the grand opening of the David Bowie Centre for the Study of Performing Arts, excitement is building among fans and collectors. This landmark exhibition, opening at the V&A East Storehouse in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2025, promises to be one of the most significant cultural events of the decade. With more than 90,000 items from Bowie’s career on display, this exhibition will provide an unparalleled opportunity to explore the life and legacy of the iconic artist.

The David Bowie Centre: A Collector’s Dream

Set to open on September 13, 2025, the David Bowie Centre will be a must-visit destination for both fans and memorabilia collectors. This unique collection, acquired by the V&A in collaboration with Bowie’s estate, the Blavatnik Family Foundation, and Warner Music Group, will include rare costumes, handwritten lyrics, and personal artifacts from Bowie’s multi-decade career.

For collectors of David Bowie memorabilia, this event presents a rare chance to see the most comprehensive display of Bowie’s personal and professional belongings. Some of the most notable pieces include his iconic Ziggy Stardust costumes, the handwritten lyrics for hits like Fame and Ashes to Ashes, and musical instruments Bowie used throughout his career.

The centre will be divided into three zones, allowing visitors to delve into Bowie’s creative process. From immersive audio-visual installations to quieter study areas where fans can engage with the Bowie archive, this exhibition will offer an intimate look at the man behind the music.

A Glimpse Into David Bowie’s Legacy

What makes this event truly special is the sheer scope of the collection. Spread across four levels of the V&A’s new East Storehouse, the exhibition will not only feature Bowie’s stage outfits and musical instruments but also delve into his creative collaborations and influences. It will explore the many facets of his artistic persona, from the groundbreaking Ziggy Stardust era to his later, more introspective works.

Visitors will also get a behind-the-scenes look at Bowie’s lesser-known projects, including unreleased music, experimental writing techniques like the “cut-up” method (introduced to him by author William Burroughs), and many unrealized concepts that never saw the light of day.

Small curated displays will tell the stories behind Bowie’s albums, shedding light on how he shaped his groundbreaking records. The stories will highlight the process and experimentation that went into creating some of the most influential albums of all time, such as Heroes and Scary Monsters.

A New Cultural Hub in East London

The David Bowie Centre is part of the larger V&A East project, which will open in stages starting with the East Storehouse on May 31, 2025, followed by the V&A East Museum in 2026. Both sites will anchor the cultural district known as East Bank, an area that will also house exhibitions on the Glastonbury Festival and other prominent music icons like PJ Harvey and Sir Elton John.

The David Bowie Centre will play a vital role in cementing East Bank as a cultural destination, attracting both locals and international visitors. Free to the public, this expansive museum space will make Bowie’s legacy more accessible than ever, offering a permanent home for his archive and an opportunity for fans to engage with his work in new ways.

Additionally, the V&A’s Order An Object initiative will allow visitors to book an online viewing of any item in the vast V&A East collection, including pieces from the Bowie archive. This initiative opens up new possibilities for deep research into Bowie’s career, making it easier for fans and scholars alike to access his legacy.

Why This Exhibition is a Must for Collectors

For anyone with a passion for David Bowie memorabilia, this exhibition is an unmissable event. While the Centre provides a rich educational experience, it also underscores the growing value of Bowie memorabilia. As interest in his work continues to surge, so too does the demand for rare and authentic pieces.

If you’re inspired by the exhibit and want to bring a piece of Bowie into your own collection, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. Original David Bowie vinyl records and David Bowie posters remain some of the most popular memorabilia items available today. Whether you’re looking for rare first pressings, limited edition artwork, or iconic images from his various eras, owning a piece of Bowie memorabilia allows fans to keep his legacy alive.

Planning Your Visit

The V&A’s East Storehouse, where the David Bowie Centre will be housed, is located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, an area rich in culture and history. The Centre will be spread across multiple floors, making it a comprehensive and engaging experience for visitors.

To fully appreciate the exhibit, it’s worth planning your visit ahead of time. Here’s what you need to know:

• Opening Date: The David Bowie Centre opens on September 13, 2025. The larger East Storehouse opens its doors on May 31, 2025.
• Location: V&A East Storehouse, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London.
• Admission: Free entry, though donations to support the museum’s preservation of cultural artifacts are encouraged.

With so much to explore, including Bowie’s handwritten lyrics, personal memorabilia, and unreleased material, this exhibition is a rare opportunity for fans and collectors to immerse themselves in Bowie’s world. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a new admirer of his work, the David Bowie Centre promises to be a defining cultural moment.

Mark your calendar for the grand opening and start your own David Bowie memorabilia collection by visiting our collection of David Bowie vinyl records and David Bowie posters.