Bowie exhibition charts life of pop's ultimate Starman By Peter Wilkinson, CNN March 22, 2013 -- Updated 1107 GMT (1907 HKT) A history of David Bowie in 15 objects Photographs, 1947 Musical instrument, 1961 Musical instrument, 1969 Song lyrics, 1972 Suit, 1972 Costume, 1973 Sketches and notes, 1973/4 Drugs paraphernalia, 1974 Self-portrait, 1976 Portrait, 1976/7 Musical instrument, 1974 Costume, 1980 Coat, 1997 Doors to open on exhibition of life of David Bowie at V&A museum in London His 27th studio album, "The Next Day," is riding high at the top of UK charts "David Bowie Is" chronicles Bowie's long career as singer, musician and actor Exhibition features for the first time more than 300 objects from Bowie's life London (CNN) -- David Bowie always did have impeccable timing. He released his song about a doomed astronaut, "Space Oddity," just days before the 1969 Moon landing. Four years later he killed off his most famous creation, the other-worldly "Ziggy Stardust," just at the point it threatened to overwhelm him. More than 130 million record sales later, Bowie is back after a relatively quiet decade (he underwent emergency heart surgery in 2004). He celebrated his 66th birthday in January by releasing "Where Are We Now," his first song for more than 10 years, without any warning. His 27th studio album, "The Next Day," is riding high at the top of UK charts, earning critical acclaim. This weekend the doors will open on an extraordinary exhibition of Bowie's life and career at the V&A Museum in London. "David Bowie Is" chronicles the rise of an unknown singer called David Jones from the south London suburbs through his "Ziggy Stardust" heyday and his later ground-breaking years spent holed up in Berlin. It also takes in his many acting roles and acclaimed fashion designs over the years. Read why Bowie is back to his mysterious best The exhibition's curators, Geoffrey Marsh and Victoria Broackes, have had full access to the star's archives, which means they have almost everything worth having. "Most bands go bust or split up," says Marsh, "so to find a collection in one place which represents 40 or 50 years is pretty rare. There's a whole generation which has grown up with him and although they find the idea of him in a museum a bit strange I think the fact that he can do that and produce a successful new album at the same time actually shows what a remarkable person he is. The exhibition features for the first time more than 300 objects from Bowie's life, from amazing stage outfits to rare photographs from the early years, videos of outstanding live performances screened in a thunderously loud surround-sound cinema, Bowie's own musical instruments, record cover designs and paintings. "When you see the costumes close up it is really thrilling," says Broackes. Nothing beats it really in this age -- when you can do so many things in other ways -- actually seeing the real thing. You might have seen it on TV, you might have seen it on stage or on film, but to see for example the 'Ashes to Ashes' costume close up it's pretty fantastic. We've also got the Ziggy costumes and they're amazing. The exhibition is creating almost as much of a buzz as Bowie's new music, reflecting the unique position he holds in the British arts and music landscape. As Broackes says: "Bowie's permeated every area of our culture. He is no ordinary pop star. "David Bowie Is" at the V&A in central London, and runs from March 23 until August 11.