Ziggy Stardust Album Cover Site at 23 Heddon Street, London
Step into the legendary London street where David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust persona was born on an iconic 1972 album cover.
23 Heddon Street in London is the iconic location where David Bowie’s alter ego Ziggy Stardust was immortalized on the cover of his 1972 breakthrough album, 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.' This quiet street just off Regent Street features a commemorative plaque marking the exact spot Bowie stood for the legendary photo shoot, making it a must-visit cultural landmark for music lovers and Bowie fans worldwide.
A brief summary to Ziggy Stardust album cover
- 23 Heddon St, London, W1B 4BF, 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 commemorative plaque at 23 Heddon Street to see the exact spot Bowie stood for the album cover photo.
- Take a photo recreating the iconic Ziggy Stardust pose for a memorable souvenir.
- Check out the nearby red telephone box featured on the album’s back cover, covered in fan graffiti.
- Explore local bars and cafes nearby to soak up the Soho music scene atmosphere Bowie once frequented.
- Visit during daylight hours for the best visibility of the plaque and street details.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the London Underground to Piccadilly Circus station, which is approximately a 7 to 10-minute walk from 23 Heddon Street. The station is served by the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines. Note that the area is busy during peak hours and the walk includes some cobblestone streets.
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Bus
Several London bus routes stop near Regent Street, including routes 12, 88, and 453. From the bus stop, it’s about a 5 to 8-minute walk to Heddon Street. Buses run frequently but can be subject to traffic delays during rush hour.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London locations typically takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Note that parking is very limited in the area, so drop-off is recommended.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby in Soho or Mayfair, walking to 23 Heddon Street is a pleasant 10 to 15-minute stroll through central London’s vibrant streets. The terrain is flat but some pavements are narrow.
Ziggy Stardust album cover 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 Ziggy Stardust album cover
The Birthplace of a Rock Legend’s Visual Identity
Nestled just off the bustling Regent Street in central London, 23 Heddon Street holds a special place in music history as the site where David Bowie posed as Ziggy Stardust for the cover of his seminal 1972 album, 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.' Photographed by Brian Ward on a cold, rainy January night, Bowie’s image was later hand-colored to create the striking monochrome and color cover that captured the imagination of a generation. The street’s modest urban backdrop, featuring the former K. West furrier shop, frames Bowie’s diminutive figure under a streetlamp, symbolizing the birth of his androgynous alien rock persona.A Street Transformed but Steeped in Legacy
Though Heddon Street has undergone significant changes since the early 1970s, losing some of its industrial character, the building at number 23 remains recognizable. In 2012, The Crown Estate installed a commemorative plaque at the exact spot where Bowie stood, replacing the lost K. West sign that once appeared above him on the album cover. Nearby, the famous red telephone box featured on the album’s back cover still stands, covered in fan inscriptions, offering a tangible connection to Bowie’s enduring legacy. This quiet dead-end street now serves as a pilgrimage site for fans and music historians alike.Musical and Cultural Context of the Location
Heddon Street’s proximity to London’s vibrant Soho district, including the Marquee Club and Denmark Street’s Tin Pan Alley, situates it at the heart of the city’s 1960s and 70s music scene. Bowie himself frequented these areas during his rise to fame. The Ziggy Stardust album marked a turning point in his career, blending glam rock with theatrical storytelling. The album’s cover photo shoot was a spontaneous moment during a studio session, capturing Bowie’s transformation into one of rock’s most iconic characters. This location thus embodies not only a physical place but also a pivotal moment in music history.Commemoration and Fan Engagement
The plaque unveiling in 2012 was a notable event attended by members of Bowie’s Spiders from Mars band and figures from the music world, underscoring the site’s cultural importance. Fans visiting the street often recreate the album cover pose, taking photos in the same spot Bowie once stood. The nearby Starman bar and other local establishments celebrate Bowie’s influence, enhancing the area’s vibrant cultural atmosphere. The telephone box on the back cover, though weathered, remains a popular spot for fans to leave messages, blending public memory with personal tribute.Architectural and Urban Character Today
Today, 23 Heddon Street is a quiet, gentrified enclave contrasting with the busy shopping streets nearby. The street’s architecture retains a classic London charm with brick facades and narrow pavements, offering a tranquil urban space that invites reflection on its musical heritage. Despite modernization, the street’s connection to Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust persona continues to draw visitors who appreciate the blend of history, music, and place.Enduring Symbol of Artistic Reinvention
The Ziggy Stardust album cover location stands as a symbol of artistic reinvention and cultural impact. Bowie's decision to embody an alien rock star challenged norms and expanded the possibilities of musical expression. The site at 23 Heddon Street invites visitors to step into that moment of creative transformation, offering a unique glimpse into the intersection of music, identity, and urban space that defined a generation and continues to inspire today.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
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- Unique
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
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- Wheelchair Access
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- Vegetarian Friendly
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