It has been a year since London's Victoria and Albert Museum has first announced its acquisition of David Bowie's complete archives, which means there's only one more year left until fans can finally visit the institution's permanent and free display of Bowie's most iconic items.
From his time as Major Tom to his stint as Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane, the collection comprises over 80,000 memorabilia that "spawned" during over sixty years of his career as a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter.
Specifically, items like handwritten lyrics and letters, bespoke costumes and clothes, and even some of Bowie's stage-tested instruments and props will be available for viewing at V&A's David Bowie Center for the Study of Performing Arts, which is set to open in 2025 at the museum's new East Storehouse outpost in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
The "Starman" costume from David Bowie's appearance on "Top of the Pops" in 1972 is displayed at the "David Bowie is" exhibition at the Victoria and Albert (V&A) museum in central London on March 20, 2013.
A 'Forever' Exhibition Dedicated to David Bowie's Illustrious Career
Of this upcoming permanent V&A display dedicated to the artist, the Bowie estate said in a statement: "With David's life's work becoming part of the UK's national collections, he takes his rightful place amongst many other cultural icons and artistic geniuses."
"The David Bowie Centre for the Study of Performing Arts-and the behind-the-scenes access that V&A East Storehouse offers-will mean David's work can be shared with the public in ways that haven't been possible before," it added.
Indeed, hardcore Bowie fans and casual enjoyers alike will be one step closer to the "art" that represents the singer-songwriter.
Some of these historic items are Bowie's eye-catching Ziggy Stardust costume ensemble; his custom Union Jack coat that was designed by Alexander McQueen for his 1997 album "Earthling;" a stylophone he used for "Space Oddity;" and a synthesizer he utilized for his 1977 record, "Low."
To help fund the momentous and enormous display of the artist's lifework at the new Bowie Center, both the Blavatnik Family Foundation and Warner Music Group have pledged a donation of about $12 million.
This financial aid will also be used not only for the upkeep of the collection but also for would-be research and support for the ongoing interest of the artist in various spaces.
"I believe everyone will agree with me when I say that when I look back at the last 60 years of post-Beatles music, that if only one artist could be in the V&A it should be David Bowie," said Nile Rodgers, producer of Bowie's chart-topping single "Let's Dance."
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