V&A launches national tour of David Bowie archive

The Victoria and Albert Museum has announced a landmark national tour of its David Bowie archive, marking the first time highlights from the collection will travel across the United Kingdom on this scale. The exhibition, titled "David Bowie On Tour," will bring more than 100 items from the archive to audiences outside London, with many pieces going on public display for the first time.

The tour will launch at VA Dundee, running from November 2026 to February 2027. It will then travel to Showtown in Blackpool from June to September 2027, the Bowes Museum in County Durham from October 2027 to January 2028, the Ferens Art Gallery in Hull from February to May 2028, and Bristol Museum and Art Gallery from June to September 2028. Additional venues are expected to be announced.

The exhibition is structured into four thematic sections. "Bowie Through a Lens" explores how photography shaped his image and identity. "All the Somebody People" examines his work on stage and in the studio across key eras, from Ziggy Stardust to his final album, Blackstar. "Hooked to the Silver Screen" delves into his groundbreaking on-screen performances in music videos, film, and television. The final...