The Facts
On October 22, 2026, the Victoria and Albert Museum announced a free costume trail, 'Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things', opening at its South Kensington location on October 24, 2026 and running through January 17, 2027. The display features eight looks worn by the Queen frontman, including the 'Mercury Wing' catsuit, his crown and cloak from the 1986 Magic Tour, and the ensemble from the 'Made in Heaven' video. Developed with Mary Austin, Mercury's former fiancée and close friend, the trail marks what would have been his 80th birthday year. The costumes are displayed across six stops in the V&A's permanent galleries, with mannequins dynamically posed to reflect his stage presence, and includes a spatial audio reimagining of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' by sound designer Gareth Fry.
The Signal
The display underscores the V&A's strategy of using its theatre and performance collections to engage broad audiences, following its successful David Bowie exhibition. For fans and collectors, the inclusion of items from Mary Austin's personal archive adds provenance and intimacy. The trail's free admission and placement within permanent galleries reflect a trend toward accessible, integrated programming that draws visitors into the museum's wider collections.
- Artists: Freddie Mercury
- People: Mary Austin, Kate Bailey, Tom Piper, Lucy Record, Gareth Fry, Wendy de Smet, Diana Moseley
- Museums: Victoria and Albert Museum
- Locations: London
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