A landmark exhibition dedicated to rock-and-roll royalty, Freddie Mercury, is heading to the V&A museum next month – and will remain in place through the autumn and winter months. On the year in which the much loved musician would have been celebrating his 80th birthday, the South Kensington spot will honour his long-lasting legacy with a free-to-visit exhibition that’s sure to be fun, flamboyant, and filled to the brim with fashion.
‘Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things’
The exhibition – which has been aptly named ‘Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things’ – will feature a trail of installations, developed with Mary Austin (Freddie’s former fiancée, close friend, and confidante). Each of the six stops along the trail will highlight an iconic moment in Mercury’s impressive career, showcasing the costumes and accessories he wore in various music videos and live performances throughout the 70s and 80s.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Victoria and Albert Museum, this show-stopping exhibition will see eight of Freddie’s most memorable looks go on display, seven of which have been lent to the museum by Mary Austin. Each outfit will shine a spotlight on Mercury’s confidence, charisma, and creativity. And each mannequin has been specially made for the occasion, and will be ‘dynamically posed’ to reflect his unparalleled stage presence.
Pieces going on display at the V&A from October include the signature crown and cloak that Freddie wore for his final stage appearance with Queen, the ‘Mercury Wing’ catsuit worn in the ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ music video, and the monochrome ensemble that he wore at an early Queen gig and on the cover of the band’s debut album. Visitors will also get a unique glimpse of some extra-special accessories and items from Freddie’s own personal wardrobe.
Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things has been created by the award-winning stage designer, Tom Piper – the very same brains that were behind the V&A’s Taylor Swift | Songbook Trail. Each and every stop of this theatrically staged new trail will bring incredible moments of Freddie Mercury’s musical career to life through set, sound, and light.
Kate Bailey, Senior Curator of Theatre and Performance at the V&A said: “We are thrilled to display Freddie’s most iconic costumes at the V&A, celebrating one of the greatest performers and songwriters of all time. Reflecting his love of ‘splendid things’ and his passion for art, design and fashion, Freddie will be very at home in the V&A galleries.”
Mary Austin said: “As we celebrate Freddie’s legacy in what would have been his 80th year, the clothes and costumes to be displayed at the V&A tell a hugely important part of his story both on and off the stage. Never mere accoutrements, his costumes and clothes were essential to his performances, creative vision, and wider self-expression, carefully designed to create a lasting visual and emotional impact that has reached across the generations and still reverberates today.”
Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things will open at the V&A South Kensington on October 24, 2026 and run until January 17, 2027. Find out more and plan your visit here.
