V&A Museum to Exhibit Freddie Mercury's Iconic Costumes

The Victoria & Albert Museum in London is set to open a free exhibition titled 'Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things' on October 24, 2026, celebrating the enduring cultural legacy of Queen's legendary frontman. This exhibition will trace Mercury's rise to global stardom and his solo career through his distinctive and theatrical wardrobe, featuring eight iconic stage costumes and personal accessories. The display is developed in collaboration with Mary Austin, Mercury's former fiancée and confidante for two decades, who has loaned seven looks from her private collection. The exhibition's title is inspired by Mercury's own 1978 statement: "I like to be surrounded by splendid things. I want to lead a Victorian life surrounded by exquisite clutter." This sentiment is reflected in the six-stop trail, designed by Tom Piper, which aims to create a dialogue between Mercury's stage wear and the museum's extensive collections of fashion, decorative arts, and performance artifacts. The trail will be spread across six locations within the museum's South Kensington galleries, offering visitors a free exploration of the performer's visual language and personal style. Key pieces highlighted in the exhibition represent pivotal moments in Queen's discography and Mercury's career. Visitors will have the opportunity to see a monochrome ensemble from the 1970s, worn during an early gig at Imperial College and later featured on the cover of Queen's 1973 debut album. The exhibition also includes the distinctive 'Mercury Wing' catsuit, designed by Wendy de Smet for the 1975-76 'A Night at the Opera' tour, a period that also saw the groundbreaking 'Bohemian Rhapsody' music video. Further into his stadium era, the display will feature the regal signature crown and cloak, meticulously crafted by designer Diana Moseley for Mercury's final 1986 Magic Tour. The exhibition aims to explore the meticulous visual language that contributed to one of music history's most recognizable public personas, connecting his personal aesthetic with the broader context of art and design. The free trail is designed to be accessible, allowing a wide audience to engage with the artistry and impact of Freddie Mercury's stage presence and fashion choices, marking what would have been his 80th anniversary year.