More than 100 objects from David Bowie's personal archive are set to go on display in Scotland for the first time, including rare items that have never been seen publicly. Among the treasures are a guitar played during the Ziggy Stardust era and handwritten lyrics to his final studio album.
David Bowie: On Tour will be hosted at the V&A Dundee starting from Wednesday, November 4, and will bring the musician's story and imagination to audiences in Scotland. The exhibition marks the very first time artefacts from David Bowie's archive are shared on a large scale outside London.
Costumes, Instruments and Personal Keepsakes
Costumes, instruments, photography, personal keepsakes, and more will be displayed at the design museum in Dundee, with David Bowie: On Tour providing a glimpse into Bowie's life both on and off the stage. Visitors will also be able to share their own thoughts on what Bowie means to them within the exhibition.
Bowie's relationship with Scotland will be highlighted in the exhibition, which will feature a focus on the sold-out Ziggy Stardust concert at Dundee's Caird Hall in 1973. More than half a century later, Dundee is the first city in the UK to host the V&A's David Bowie archive tour.
Four Exhibition Sections
David Bowie: On Tour will be displayed across four sections. 'Bowie Through a Lens' explores how photography shaped Bowie's image and identity, 'All The Somebody People' focuses on his work in the studio, 'Hooked to the Silver Screen' is dedicated to his performances on screen, and 'I Can't Give Everything Away' showcases some of the musician's treasured possessions.
Highlights include an alto saxophone given to Bowie by his father as his first instrument, a Ziggy Stardust acoustic guitar, and a lightning bolt stage costume Bowie wore for the Ziggy Stardust tour. Also set to be displayed are tickets and Polaroids from the musician's 1973 Dundee gig and a bronze ring worn by Bowie in the photoshoot for the cover of Hunky Dory.
Notable Artefacts and Visitor Information
Additionally, visitors will be able to see a script with notes by Bowie for his character Jareth in the film Labyrinth, a sketch by Bowie of the original idea for the cover of his album Low, his passport, and various personal keepsakes. There will also be handwritten lyrics and notebooks relating to Bowie's final albums The Next Day and Blackstar, as well as his posthumous Grammy award.
First Minister John Swinney said: "This exhibition is a fantastic celebration of David Bowie's legacy and offers fans across Scotland a great opportunity to learn more about his life and creative processes. The exhibition's opening in Dundee, before it travels to other museums across the UK, is testament to the V&A Dundee's strength as a cultural institution."
David Bowie: On Tour at V&A Dundee is open from November 4, 2026 to February 15, 2027. Tickets are priced at £10.00 for adults with a £1.00 donation, while V&A Dundee Members, V&A Members, and young people under 18 go free.
