On the occasion of what would have been David Bowie's 77th birthday, Paris has paid a lasting tribute to the late British music icon by naming a street after him in the city's southeast.
The announcement of Rue David-Bowie's inauguration was made in 2020 by Jérôme Coumet, the mayor of the 13th arrondissement, where the street is located. Bowie, who succumbed to cancer in 2016, was commemorated on Monday with this significant honor.
The dedication holds a special significance, marking Bowie's inaugural Paris performance in 1965, his first outside the United Kingdom. Recognizing his profound impact on music, fashion, and culture, the tribute solidifies Bowie's legacy in the Parisian cityscape. Hits like "Space Oddity" and "Let's Dance" and his influential contributions to fashion are now permanently acknowledged in the streets of Paris.
The inauguration ceremony featured a concert and an exhibit, bringing together fans and admirers to celebrate the life and contributions of the iconic artist.
Rue David-Bowie is strategically located between the Jardin des Plantes botanical gardens and the National Library, flanked by two modern office buildings, including the headquarters of news publications Le Monde and L’Obs. The street opens onto the avenue Pierre-Mendes-France and is poised to connect to a future bridge linking the avenue to Boulevard de l’Hopital, near Austerlitz train station and Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital.
This development not only pays homage to Bowie but also reflects the ongoing transformation of the district. Paris continues to evolve, celebrating the legacies of iconic figures like Bowie alongside other notable personalities.
