Today, the V&A in partnership with venues across the UK announce a landmark national tour celebrating the creativity and enduring cultural impact of David Bowie.
David Bowie: On Tour will open at V&A Dundee from 4 November 2026, making it the first venue to stage the V&A’s new UK-wide tour. Featuring more than 100 highlights from the V&A’s David Bowie archive, many that have never been on public display before, including costumes, instruments, photography and handwritten material, the tour will share a rare insight into Bowie’s creative process across music, film and performance.
Across four sections, David Bowie: On Tour takes audiences behind the scenes into Bowie’s creative process, exploring how he created his ever-evolving image, music and screen work.
Curated by Harriet Reed, Curator of Contemporary Performance at the V&A, David Bowie: On Tour marks the first time highlights from David Bowie’s archive have been shared on this scale outside London, bringing Bowie’s story and creative imagination to audiences in Scotland and across the UK.
Following the launch at V&A Dundee (4 November 2026 to 15 February 2027), the tour continues to Show town Blackpool (June–September 2027), the Bowes Museum in County Durham (October 2027–January 2028), the Ferens Art Gallery in Hull (February–May 2028), and Bristol Museum and Art Gallery (June–September 2028).
Tickets for the V&A Dundee dates will go on sale in late September via the V&A Dundee website www.vam.ac.uk/dundee with priority booking for V&A Dundee Members.
Leonie Bell, Director of V&A Dundee, said: “We couldn’t be happier to announce the good news that V&A Dundee in Scotland will be the first location for David Bowie: On Tour developed by the V&A.
“David Bowie has always been one of the most-requested cultural figures our audiences have wanted to see celebrated at V&A Dundee. He left an indelible impression on the city after bringing the Ziggy Stardust tour to the city’s iconic music venue, Caird Hall, in 1973, following his first Dundee performance in 1966.
“This is a thrilling opportunity for fans to get up close with never-before-seen objects from Bowie’s personal archive and to celebrate his remarkable story and extraordinary creative imagination.”
Sir Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A, said: “David Bowie: On Tour is a landmark national partnership for the V&A, bringing highlights from David Bowie’s extraordinary archive to audiences across the UK for the first time. Working with our colleagues in museums and venues nationwide, we’re opening up Bowie’s story in the places connected to his life and legacy, ensuring people across the country can experience these remarkable objects where they live, and be inspired by his enduring creativity.”
Harriet Reed, Curator of Contemporary Performance at the V&A, said: “David Bowie’s archive reveals an artist in constant motion – a restless, forward-looking mind at work beyond the music and images we know. From fan art and his first instrument to unrealised projects, handwritten notes and unseen sketches, David Bowie: On Tour brings visitors up close to the ideas behind his work – including items from The Next Day and (Blackstar) never shown before – offering new insight into how his creativity took shape. It’s a rare chance to step inside Bowie’s imagination, and experience the curiosity and daring that defined his life’s work.”
David Bowie: On Tour has been developed by V&A Touring and V&A National Programmes, in collaboration with partner venues across the UK, and is curated by Harriet Reed, Curator of Contemporary Performance at the V&A.
David Bowie: On Tour at V&A Dundee from 4 November 2026 – 15 February 2027.
Tickets will go on sale in late September via the V&A Dundee website www.vam.ac.uk/dundee with priority booking for V&A Dundee Members.
Ticket price for adults £10.00 with a £1.00 donation.
V&A Dundee Members, V&A Members and young people aged 18 and under go free but must book in advance. Concessions apply.
