Freddie Mercury's Iconic Costumes to Be Exhibited at London's V&A for His 80th Birthday
The "Freddie Mercury: Splendid Things" exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London will showcase eight remarkable stage costumes along with personal attire of Queen's legendary lead singer. Set to open on October 24, 2026, and lasting until January 17, 2027, this event honors Mercury's 80th birthday, which falls on September 5, 2026. Curated alongside Mary Austin, Mercury's close friend and former fiancée, the exhibit features seven outfits from her collection. Notable pieces include the yellow jacket worn during the 1986 Magic Tour, a white catsuit from the mid-1970s, and a black-and-white outfit from Queen's first album. Additionally, a crown designed by Diana Moseley will be on display. Mercury passed away on November 24, 1991, at the age of 45, celebrated for his contributions to music and fashion.
Key facts
- Exhibition title: 'Freddie Mercury: Splendid Things'
- Venue: Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), South Kensington, London
- Dates: October 24, 2026 – January 17, 2027
- Commemorates the 80th anniversary of Freddie Mercury's birth (September 5, 1946)
- Eight looks spanning Mercury's career, displayed across six stops in permanent galleries
- Mary Austin collaborated and lent seven looks from her personal collection
- Highlights include the yellow military jacket from the Magic Tour (1986), the white 'Mercury Wing' catsuit from the Night at the Opera Tour, and a black-and-white ensemble from Queen's debut album cover
- Custom mannequins dynamically posed to evoke Mercury's stage presence
- Includes accessories and personal wardrobe pieces
- Mercury died on November 24, 1991, at age 45
- Costume designer Julian Day commented on Mercury's unique approach to fashion
- Mary Austin's statement: 'Never mere accoutrements, his costumes and clothes were essential to his performances'
Entities
Artists
- Freddie Mercury
- Brian May
- Mary Austin
- Wendy Edmonds
- Julian Day
- Diana Moseley
- Caroline Coon
- Tara Đukić
- Simon Fowler
- Denis O'Regan
- David TanShinko Music
- Tom Piper
- Wendy de Smet
- Kate Bailey
Institutions
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- Queen
- Smithsonian
- Vogue Adria
- The Guardian
- Mercury Songs Ltd
- Royal Shakespeare Company
- designboom
- Taylor Swift | Songbook Trail
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Knebworth Park
- England
- Broadwick Street
- South Kensington
- Imperial College
- Knebworth
- San Diego
- California
- United States