V&A Showcases Freddie Mercury Costumes

The Victoria & Albert Museum will open an exhibition of Freddie Mercury’s stage costumes on October 24, 2026. The free trail will map the frontman’s rise to global stardom and his solo career through his theatrical wardrobe. The display scatters Mercury’s garments across the institution’s permanent galleries, exploring the visual language behind one of music history’s most recognizable personas.

The exhibition is a collaboration with Mary Austin, Mercury’s former fiancée and confidante of two decades. Seven looks are borrowed directly from her private collection. The title, “Splendid Things,” is taken from Mercury’s 1978 declaration: “I like to be surrounded by splendid things. I want to lead a Victorian life surrounded by exquisite clutter.” The six-stop trail creates dialogue between the rocker’s stage wear and the museum’s existing holdings in fashion, decorative arts and performance. The free trail across six locations is highlighted in our fixtures section.

Standout pieces highlight pivotal eras in Queen’s discography. Visitors can view a 1970s monochrome ensemble worn for an early gig at Imperial College that later graced the cover of Queen’s 1973 debut album. The retrospective also features the “Mercury Wing” catsuit designed by Wendy de Smet for the 1975-76 A Night at the Opera tour and the groundbreaking “Bohemian Rhapsody” video. Moving into his stadium era, the display showcases the regal signature crown and cloak crafted by Diana Moseley for his final 1986 Magic Tour appearance at Knebworth, alongside quieter personal wardrobe items and his suit from the “Made in Heaven” music video.

Award-winning theatre and exhibition designer Tom Piper transformed the museum spaces to capture the frontman’s magnetic energy. Known for his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Piper integrates set dressing, sound and lighting to frame each era. Specially crafted mannequins strike dynamic poses to emulate Mercury’s unmatched stage presence, reinforcing how his clothing served as essential tools to command vast arena crowds and cement his status as a permanent pop-culture fixture. Tom Piper’s set design is part of the museum’s squad of exhibitions.

Key Costumes

The exhibition’s schedule, ending January 17, 2027, is listed in the stats of upcoming events.