V&A Announces Punk to Pop Exhibition for 2027

London’s V&A has announced a major new exhibition, Punk to Pop, opening in March 2027. Covering the years between 1972 and 1985, the exhibition looks at how music, fashion and youth culture went from underground scenes to global pop phenomena, with some pretty iconic names involved.

Across around 300 objects, visitors will get a look at the music and subcultures that defined the era, from glam rock and punk to reggae, disco, goth and the New Romantics, all brought to life through theatrical staging and a sonic headset experience. The exhibition opens in the grey, strike-hit Britain of the 70s, lit up by glam’s biggest names, including David Bowie, T. Rex and Roxy Music, before heading into the punk movement with Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Slits and Buzzcocks. There’s plenty of fashion history too, with Vivienne Westwood featuring prominently as the exhibition traces her influence on punk style and the wider fashion world.

The objects are just as exciting. Highlights include The Clash’s Mick Jones’ first electric guitar, handwritten lyrics by Joy Division’s Ian Curtis, Sex Pistols artwork by Jamie Reid, and glam rock costumes worn by Brian Eno and Bryan Ferry. Look out for stage outfits worn by Blondie’s Debbie Harry, photographs of Grace Jones taken by Andy Warhol, and never-before-displayed stage costumes worn by George Michael.

The exhibition will also explore how different music scenes shaped British culture, from Northern Soul dance floors and the rise of reggae and ska to disco’s influence on nightlife and fashion. Artists including Donna Summer, Sylvester, The Specials and The Selecter feature in the story, alongside the darker sounds of Siouxsie Sioux, The Cure and Joy Division. The New Romantics get their moment too, with Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet and The Human League among the names explored, as well as the legendary Blitz club.

Then come the 80s, when MTV changed the game and British pop went global. The final section brings in Wham!, Bananarama, Eurythmics, Kate Bush, Pet Shop Boys and Frankie Goes to Hollywood, looking at how music videos, new technology and increasingly bold visuals helped turn musicians into worldwide stars. Expect plenty of stage costumes, photography, music videos and live performance footage along the way.

Punk to Pop, sponsored by Virgin, runs from 13 March 2027 to 2 January 2028 at V&A South Kensington, with a limited number of tickets available now at vam.ac.uk. The full ticket release is scheduled for early 2027.