As we approach the 10th anniversary of David Bowie’s death in January, 2026 his power as an artist endures. He is, if anything, more popular and influential today than he was when he was alive. So the time chosen to open the eagerly awaited David Bowie Centre at the V&A East Storehouse in Stratford last month couldn’t have been better chosen. As “Life on Mars?” would have it, he’s in the best-selling show.
This highly significant new permanent collection houses an astonishing 90,000 pieces from Bowie’s personal archive which he collated meticulously over several decades. The collection features myriad extraordinary items. For instance, you can see: the one-legged, knitted jumpsuit designed by Kansai Yamamoto that Bowie wore on stage during the Ziggy Stardust period; the hand-written lyrics for Win from the Young Americans album; and the Freddie Burretti suit Bowie sported in the “Life on Mars?” video.
A really exciting aspect of the David Bowie Centre is that fans can pick five artefacts from the vast archive that they wish to see when they visit. The most requested item is the frockcoat designed by Alexander McQueen and Bowie for his 50th Birthday Concert in 1997.
Left: David Bowie performing as Ziggy Stardust in 1973 wearing the asymmetric catsuit designed by Kansai Yamamoto. © Mick Rock.
Middle: Lyrics for “Win” from the album Young Americans. Written by David Bowie in 1974. Image courtesy of the V&A.
Right: Replica of the “Tokyo Pop” jumpsuit made by Kansai Yamamoto and worn by David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust. Image courtesy of the V&A.
Bowie still exerts a remarkable hold on our culture. He has inspired everyone from Madonna, Radiohead, Spandau Ballet, Nirvana, Prince and Talking Heads to The Cure, Lady Gaga, Charli XCX, Janelle Monae, and Kendrick Lamar.
As Dr Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A, puts it: “One of the greatest performers, musicians, artists and innovators of all time, David Bowie’s impact continues to reverberate nearly a decade after his death – while his influence on design and visual culture and his inspiration on creatives today is unmatched.”
The David Bowie Centre is a spellbinding reminder that art was not merely his day job; it was his entire existence. It infused his every waking minute and shaped every decision he made.
David Bowie’s whole life was a work of art.
The David Bowie Centre
V&A East Storehouse,
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park,
London E20 3AX
Secure your tickets, HERE.
Author: James Rampton
Lead image: David Bowie at a recording studio in 1973. © Mick Rock.
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