The Victoria & Albert Museum has announced that The Last Dinner Party and Nile Rodgers will be curating special exhibitions at the upcoming David Bowie Centre. Set to open on September 13 at the V&A East Storehouse, this centre has been generating excitement since it was first hinted at back in February 2023.
The David Bowie Centre will showcase over 90,000 personal items belonging to the iconic artist, along with nine unique displays that reveal new insights, artifacts, and unreleased works. Visitors will have the opportunity to book one-on-one viewing sessions for a more intimate experience with Bowie’s incredible archives.
Among the nine displays, two are curated by The Last Dinner Party and acclaimed collaborator Nile Rodgers. The Last Dinner Party’s exhibition focuses on the 1970s, highlighting how Bowie inspired them to embrace their music and artistry. Notable items in their selection include exclusive studio photographs by Mick Rock, Bowie’s handwritten lyrics for “Win,” writings from the 1976 ‘Station To Station’ tour, and the user manual for the synthesizer used on his albums ‘Low,’ ‘Heroes,’ and ‘Lodger.’
Reflecting on their curation opportunity, The Last Dinner Party expressed, “David Bowie inspires generations of artists like us to advocate for ourselves. Exploring his archive gave us an extraordinary glimpse into his creative process and how he fostered a sense of community among those who felt like outcasts, something that resonates deeply with our own work.”
Nile Rodgers’ contributions also focus on their shared musical journey, featuring personal correspondence related to the 1993 ‘Black Tie White Noise’ album, alongside a custom suit created by Bowie for the ‘Serious Moonlight’ tour.
Rodgers shared, “My creative partnership with David Bowie led to the pinnacle of his incredible career, but our friendship was equally fulfilling. Our bond was forged on a shared love of the music that shaped our lives.”
Other displays at the David Bowie Centre will showcase thematic elements from Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane, creative collaborations, and the making of his renowned 1975 album ‘Young Americans.’
The David Bowie Centre will officially launch on September 13, with free, ticketed entry available. Visitors will be able to book their tickets soon, including slots for exclusive one-on-one visits to explore selected items from Bowie’s remarkable collection.
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