BOWIE’S CHILDHOOD HOME TO BE RESTORED AND OPENED TO THE PUBLIC

The childhood home of music icon David Bowie is to be restored to how it looked during the years he lived there, before being opened to the public for the very first time. The terraced house in Bromley, South East London, was home to the Starman legend from the age of eight until he was 20, a period that would prove crucial in shaping one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

Located at 4 Plaistow Grove, the modest property has been acquired by the Heritage of London Trust, which plans to return the house to its 1960s appearance, capturing the atmosphere of the years when Bowie first embarked on his journey towards international stardom. Restoration work is already underway, with the project due for completion in late 2027.

It was within these walls that Bowie, born David Jones, began to develop his musical identity. In particular, his tiny 90-square-foot bedroom is widely regarded as the creative birthplace of his earliest songwriting experiments. Once restored, fans will be able to step inside that very room, gaining a rare glimpse into the environment where Bowie’s imagination first took flight.

In addition to guided visits, there are plans for the house to host creative workshops aimed at inspiring young people, echoing Bowie’s own formative experiences. The aim is not simply to preserve a historic building, but to create a living space that encourages creativity, self-expression and artistic exploration.

The restoration is being led by Geoffrey Marsh, the renowned curator behind the hugely successful David Bowie Is exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Marsh will draw on never-before-seen archive material to meticulously recreate the interior of the home as it would have appeared during Bowie’s teenage years.

Speaking about the project, Marsh said: “It was in this small house, particularly in his tiny bedroom, that Bowie evolved from an ordinary suburban schoolboy to the beginnings of an extraordinary international stardom. As he said, ‘I spent so much time in my bedroom. It really was my entire world.’”

The house will chart the musician's early beginnings before he hit international stardom - Credit: David Bowie Estate

Dr Nicola Stacey, Director of the Heritage of London Trust, highlighted the wider significance of the restoration. She said: “It’s wonderful to have this opportunity to tell his story and inspire a new generation of young people.” The project is intended to celebrate Bowie’s legacy not only as a musician, but as a creative force who challenged convention and encouraged individuality.

David Bowie went on to sell more than 100 million records worldwide, redefining popular music through constant reinvention and boundary-pushing artistry. From Ziggy Stardust to the Thin White Duke, his influence extended far beyond music into fashion, art and culture. His final studio album, Blackstar, was released just two days before his death from cancer at the age of 69 on January 10, 2016, a date that marks ten years tomorrow.

The timing of the announcement has added emotional weight for fans, many of whom continue to celebrate Bowie’s life and work a decade after his passing. The chance to visit the place where it all began is expected to become a pilgrimage for admirers from around the world.

Funding of £500,000 has already been secured for the restoration, with a further public appeal launching this month to help bring the project to completion. Once finished, Bowie’s childhood home will stand not only as a tribute to his extraordinary career, but as a reminder that even the most iconic journeys often begin in the smallest of rooms.