V&A Announces Freddie Mercury Costume Display Opening October 24, 2026
The Facts
On August 25, 2026, the Victoria and Albert Museum announced that eight costumes worn by Freddie Mercury will go on display at V&A South Kensington from October 24, 2026 to January 17, 2027. The free trail, titled 'Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things', marks the 80th anniversary year of Mercury's birth and is developed with Mary Austin, his former fiancée and longtime confidante, who is lending seven of the looks. The displays span Mercury's career from the 1970s to the 1980s, including a monochrome ensemble from Queen's 1973 debut album cover, the 'Mercury Wing' catsuit worn in the 'Bohemian Rhapsody' video, and the crown and cloak from his final stage appearance at Knebworth in 1986. Designer Tom Piper, known for the Tower of London poppies and the V&A's Taylor Swift trail, created dynamically posed mannequins and theatrical settings across six stops in the museum's galleries.
The Signal
The display reflects the V&A's strategy of using popular culture to draw new audiences, following the success of its Taylor Swift exhibition. By placing Mercury's costumes in dialogue with the museum's permanent collections and architecture, the institution underscores how performance attire functions as both art and historical artifact. For collectors and curators, the collaboration with Mary Austin—who controls Mercury's estate—adds a layer of authenticity and scarcity, potentially increasing the market value of such pieces. The free format also lowers barriers to entry, making the display a significant cultural event in London's autumn calendar.
- Artists: Freddie Mercury
- People: Mary Austin, Kate Bailey, Tom Piper, Wendy de Smet, Diana Moseley
- Museums: Victoria and Albert Museum
- Locations: London
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