WHAT? The David Bowie Centre

WHERE? V&A East Storehouse, Parkes Street, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Hackney Wick, London E20 3AX

WHEN? Permanent. Free to view, but bookings MUST be made.

WHY GO? For a snapshot of cultural history. The recently opened V&A Storehouse is an extraordinary working museum and this newly acquired archive will broaden its artistic outreach for fans of contemporary music. Who doesn’t know, love and admire the genius of Bowie? Get up close and personal with one of the biggest ever global talents; delve into his world showcased through a series of rotating displays that chronicle his life. Bowie was an avid collector, constantly archiving memorabilia, all now on show for everyone to appreciate. Some 90,000 items have been amassed and mini displays will be guest curated seasonally, first up by another legend, Nile Rodgers. Costumes, instruments, awards, fan mail and sheet music with imagery from famous names like Helmut Newton and Terry O’Neill are all included, along with Bowie’s personal handwritten manuals and even his yellow post-it to-do stickers. There’s even a letter from Apple Records rejecting him in 1968 – how they must have regretted that decision! To say he was multi-talented is to understate the obvious. Fans including music legends like Lady Gaga and Brian Eno all pay tribute while videos and songs like Oh, You Pretty Things play joyfully in the background.

IN THE KNOW This permanent home for Bowie’s archive reveals a meticulous Capricorn man, and as is permitted in the Storehouse, individual exhibits can be booked out and viewed privately in the dedicated Bowie Study Centre. Though free to visit, tickets MUST be pre-booked as demand is already staggeringly high.