David Bowie exhibition to kick off world tour at Art Gallery of Ontario

TORONTO – An exhibition of objects from David Bowie’s personal archive will kick off a world tour at the Art Gallery of Ontario this fall.

The Toronto gallery says the interactive “David Bowie Is” exhibit will open Sept. 25 and run to Nov. 27, marking its North American debut.

More than 300 items spanning five decades are part of the multimedia show, which highlights the pop pioneer’s collaborations in the fields of fashion, sound, theatre, art and film.

Included are handwritten set lists, lyrics, diary entries, instruments, sketches, music videos and original stage costumes.

Particular emphasis is paid to his artistic influences, including Surrealism, German Expressionism, Music Hall, mime and Japanese Kabuki performance.

The lauded exhibition marks the first time a museum has been allowed to display items from the British-born performer’s archive, which contains over 75,000 objects.

It will arrive at the AGO straight from London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.