David Bowie Centre FAQs

The David Bowie Centre at V&A East Storehouse is the new permanent home for David Bowie’s archive. The space will host everything from guest-curated small displays to unrealised projects.

First and foremost, the centre is a working archive with reading areas and a study room, so you may see people working, or researching their projects during your visit.

The space is intimate but is brought to life by rotating mini displays which will showcase 200 objects at a time, most of which have never been displayed before. (The full archive is not possible to display, as the space is small, and there are over 80,000 items.)

Yes. Book your free tickets to the David Bowie Centre online. We strongly recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.

If space becomes available, we may be able to offer walk-in entry to a small number of visitors without pre-booked tickets. However, entry cannot be guaranteed and there may be a wait. For more information, please speak to a member of staff on arrival.

If you are visiting during peak times, there may be a queue.

There is no separate queue for V&A Members.

The David Bowie Centre it is very much a working archive and has a relatively small display space, meaning that we need to limit capacity to ensure a good visitor experience and comply with building safety requirements. Ticketing the space enables us to do this.

Yes, you need to book a ticket. Members have an allocation of tickets available for priority booking in each ticket release. Make sure your Membership details are up to date. Email membership@vam.ac.uk to confirm your email address and sign up for Membership updates.

The current Members' ticket release is valid for entry between 26 October 2025 and 1 February 2026.

Any child above the age of two requires a ticket.

Babies who are being carried, worn or are in a pram do not need a ticket.

No, you don't need a ticket to visit Storehouse, only for the David Bowie Centre. If you arrive at Storehouse without a ticket for the David Bowie Centre, you can still enjoy a visit to the rest of Storehouse.

Your e-tickets are sent directly to the email you submitted when you bought the tickets. Search for ‘V&A Ticket Confirmation’ in your inbox. If you can’t find the email, check your junk email folder.

Still can’t find your tickets? Don’t worry, we can look you up on the system when you arrive.

Sign up for ticket alerts to find out when the next allocation of tickets will go on sale.

Bookings to see 3D items from the David Bowie archive, including costumes, musical instruments, models, props and scenery, can be made through the V&A’s seven-day-a-week Order an Object service. Visitors can book up to five items per visit at a time that suits them. Bookings require at least two weeks’ notice.

Paper-based items including sketches, designs, writings, lyrics, press cuttings, and photographic prints, negatives and transparencies can be viewed by scheduling advance appointments with the Archives team. Paper-based items are available to view on Thursdays and Fridays only.

Yes. V&A East Storehouse has lift access on each floor and is fully wheelchair accessible. Please be aware that there are flickering lights throughout the centre. The film in the space contains flashing lights.

Find out more about access at V&A East Storehouse.

This visual story shows you how to get here and what to expect.

Find general information about visiting V&A East Storehouse, including opening hours, how to find us and our available facilities.

This visual story shows you how to get here and what to expect.