David Bowie Memorial Mural in Brixton, London
A vibrant, iconic mural in Brixton celebrating David Bowie's legacy and his deep roots in London's cultural heart.
The David Bowie Memorial mural, located at 463 A23 in Brixton, London, is a vibrant tribute to the legendary musician. Painted in 2013 by Australian artist James Cochran (Jimmy C), it depicts Bowie as his iconic alter ego Ziggy Stardust from the 1973 'Aladdin Sane' album cover. The mural has become a cultural landmark and a pilgrimage site for fans worldwide, protected by a perspex screen to preserve the thousands of memorial messages left since Bowie's death in 2016.
A brief summary to David Bowie Memorial
- 463 A23, London, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the mural early in the day to avoid crowds and have a quiet moment to appreciate the artwork and memorial messages.
- Explore nearby Bowie-related sites in Brixton, including his childhood home on Stansfield Road.
- Respect the protective perspex screen and avoid touching the mural to help preserve it.
- Bring a camera to capture the vibrant colors and intricate pointillism technique of the mural.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Victoria Line to Brixton Underground Station; the mural is directly opposite the station exit. Travel times from central London range from 15 to 25 minutes. The Underground is frequent and accessible, with a single journey fare typically around £2.50 with an Oyster or contactless card.
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Bus
Several London bus routes serve Brixton Road, including routes 2, 3, 35, and 37. Buses run frequently throughout the day with journey times from central London between 25 and 40 minutes. Contactless payment or Oyster cards are accepted; fares are around £1.75 per trip.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber can bring you directly to the mural. Travel time from central London varies between 20 and 40 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares from £15 to £30. Note that parking is limited in Brixton, so drop-off is recommended.
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Walking
If you are nearby, walking to the mural is pleasant and accessible. The terrain is flat and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Walking times vary depending on your starting point but allow 10 to 20 minutes from Brixton town center.
David Bowie Memorial location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about David Bowie Memorial
A Vibrant Tribute to a Musical Icon
The David Bowie Memorial mural stands proudly on the wall of Morley's Department store in Brixton, London, directly opposite the Brixton Underground station. Created in 2013 by Australian street artist James Cochran, known as Jimmy C, the mural captures Bowie in his famous Ziggy Stardust persona, featuring the electrifying lightning bolt across his face from the 1973 'Aladdin Sane' album cover. This image symbolizes the duality of Bowie's mind and artistry, making the mural not only a visual spectacle but a powerful emblem of his legacy.Roots in Brixton: Bowie's Hometown Connection
Brixton holds a deep significance as David Bowie's childhood neighborhood, where he was born David Robert Jones in 1947. The mural's location near Brixton tube station and just a short walk from his birthplace on Stansfield Road makes it a poignant site for fans to connect with the artist's origins. The mural has helped rejuvenate local pride and interest in Brixton, intertwining Bowie's global influence with the community’s identity.A Living Memorial and Cultural Shrine
Following Bowie's death in January 2016, the mural organically transformed into a memorial shrine. Thousands of fans gathered here to pay their respects, leaving flowers, notes, and personal tributes directly on and around the mural. To protect this heartfelt outpouring, the local council installed a perspex screen, preserving the artwork and the countless messages. This protective measure underscores the mural’s cultural and emotional importance as a site of remembrance and celebration.Artistic Technique and Impact
Jimmy C’s aerosol pointillism technique, using thousands of tiny spray-painted dots, brings the mural to life with vibrant colors and texture. The mural is celebrated not only for its artistic merit but also for its role in revitalizing Brixton’s cultural landscape. It has become a magnet for tourists and Bowie enthusiasts, who often visit alongside other Bowie-related sites in the area, creating a rich narrative of his life and career within the neighborhood.Community and Legacy
The mural’s presence has fostered a unique community spirit in Brixton, where Bowie's influence is celebrated through music, art, and local events. It stands as a testament to his enduring impact on music and culture, inspiring visitors to reflect on themes of identity, creativity, and transformation. The site remains open year-round, welcoming those who wish to honor one of rock’s greatest self-reinventors.Preservation and Respect
Efforts to maintain the mural’s condition include regular cleaning and the installation of the protective screen, ensuring that both the artwork and the personal tributes remain intact for future generations. This care highlights the mural’s dual role as a public artwork and a sacred memorial, respected by locals and visitors alike as a symbol of Bowie’s lasting legacy.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Street Art
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly