David Bowie exhibition is coming to the palm of your hand

(Image credit: Michael Ochs Archives - Getty)

A new phone app will let fans get up close to hundreds of items that were featured in the David Bowie Is exhibition.

The exhibition drew more than two million people across 12 cities, making it the most visited touring event in the history of the V&A. 

And, from January 8, 2019 – on what would have been Bowie’s 72nd birthday – fans will be able to download the augmented reality app on iOS and Android and enjoy the vast collection from the comfort of their homes.

A statement on the app reads: “The AR adaptation mirrors the physical exhibition through a sequence of audio-visual spaces through which the works and artifacts of Bowie’s life can be explored. 

“3D renderings preserve and present his costumes and treasured objects such as musical scores, storyboards, handwritten lyrics, and even diary entries all in 360-degree detail, enabling intimate ‘behind the glass’ access rivalling that of the visitors to the original exhibit – enhanced by an immersive audio experience featuring Bowie’s music and narration, best experienced with headphones.”

In addition, the app will also include dozens of items that were not featured in the original exhibition, while a VR version is also currently being planned.

David Bowie Is ran from March 2013 until July 15 this year.

Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent more than 30 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in the summer of 2014 before moving to the e-commerce team in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, scouts out the best deals for music fans and reviews headphones, speakers, books and more. He's written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog and has previous written for publications including IGN, the Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from daily news and weekly features, to video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.