Ferens Art Gallery will host a landmark national tour from the V&A, celebrating the creativity and enduring cultural impact of David Bowie.
Bringing together 100 highlights from the V&A’s David Bowie archive – many that have never been on public display before – David Bowie: On Tour will travel to venues across the UK across multiple years, visiting Hull early 2028.
The tour marks the first time highlights from David Bowie’s archive have been shared on this scale across the UK, outside of London, bringing Bowie’s story and creative imagination to new audiences across the country.
Cllr Jackie Dad, deputy leader of Hull City Council and portfolio holder for culture, said: “It is incredibly exciting to announce that in 2028, the Ferens Art Gallery will host David Bowie: On Tour, in partnership with the V&A.
“Hull has a legendary connection to David Bowie through the Spiders from Mars, and the mark they left on music history.
“David Bowie: On Tour builds on the momentum of the Ferens centenary celebrations in 2027 and reflects Hull’s long-standing contribution to music and culture. It is part of the city’s continued ambition to strengthen its profile as a world class music destination that belongs on the global stage.”
In November 2027, Ferens Art Gallery will mark its 100th anniversary with an ambitious, two-year centenary programme that places art, creativity and cultural connection at the heart of Hull. Spanning 2027–2028, the celebrations will showcase the gallery’s world-class collections, deliver major national partnerships, and invite audiences of all ages to experience art in new and inspiring ways.
At the centre of this landmark programme the David Bowie: On Tour will become a major cultural moment set to draw visitors from across the UK and beyond.
Kerri Offord, Curator of Art at Ferens Art Gallery, said: “We are incredibly excited to bring the story of David Bowie to Hull. It will be a fantastic opportunity for visitors to experience his iconic style, sound and lyrics through an eclectic array of objects.
“Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in Bowie while exploring objects that tell the story of his artistry and the man behind the many personas.
“For the people of Hull this will also be a truly unique experience as we explore the early years of Bowie’s career with the Spiders from Mars, and the many stories and connections in the region.”
David Bowie Polaroid of costume fittings for Jareth for the 1986 film Labyrinth. Part of the V&A’s David Bowie On Tour. Photo © David Parry PA Media Assignments
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.”
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. The David Bowie archive was acquired by the V&A in 2024 through the generosity of the David Bowie Estate, the Blavatnik Family Foundation and Warner Music Group.
It comprises more than 90,000 items spanning Bowie’s extraordinary career, from iconic costumes and musical instruments to handwritten lyrics, photography, stage designs and personal papers. Visitors can book free one-to-one appointments with items from David Bowie’s archive through the V&A’s Order an Object and Archives Appointment services, and also visit the David Bowie Centre – the archive’s permanent home – at V&A East Storehouse as part of East Bank in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
David Bowie: On Tour will kick-off at V&A Dundee in November 2026 this year, and will also visit Blackpool, County Durham and Bristol, with further venues to be announced in due course.