If you’ve ever wanted to get closer to Freddie Mercury than the front row, this is about as close as it gets. This October, eight looks from his wardrobe go on display at V&A South Kensington, timed to coincide with what would have been his 80th year – and the whole thing is free.
The exhibition, titled Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things, runs across six stops placed throughout the museum’s existing galleries. It traces his career from the monochrome outfit from an early Queen gig at Imperial College that later became the cover of the band’s debut album, right through to what he wore for his final stage appearance with Queen at Knebworth in 1986.
Seven of the pieces are on loan from Mary Austin, Freddie’s former fiancée and closest confidante for two decades, who worked with the museum on how they’re shown. Tom Piper – the designer behind the Tower of London poppies – has staged each costume theatrically against the building’s own architecture.
Key Information
Dates | Sat 24th October 2026 – Sun 17th January 2027
Address | The V&A, Cromwell Rd, SW7 2RL
For more information | vam.ac.uk
