Freddie Mercury’s “Splendid Things” Set to Rock the V&A
The V&A South Kensington will display eight looks worn by the music icon
Queen frontman Freddie Mercury said that he wanted to live surrounded by clutter, but when he qualified it as “exquisite clutter,” he knew what he was talking about. The four-octave singer had incredible taste. Items from his personal collections regularly blast through their reserves at auction based on caliber as well as provenance. That eye extended to his on-stage wardrobe, and it will be on view for the London public this fall when the Victoria & Albert Museum delivers “Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things.”
‘‘As we celebrate Freddie’s legacy in what would have been his 80th year, the clothes and costumes to be displayed at the V&A tell a hugely important part of his story both on and off the stage,” said Mary Austin, Mercury’s former fiancée and stalwart confidante, adding, “Never mere accoutrements, his costumes and clothes were essential to his performances, creative vision, and wider self-expression, carefully designed to create a lasting visual and emotional impact that has reached across the generations and still reverberates today.”
Seven of the looks in the Victoria & Albert show are loans from Mary Austin. Installations by the Royal Shakespeare Company and Taylor Swift | Songbook Trail designer Tom Piper will accompany each of Mercury’s outfits and add colorful context around the musical moments that birthed them. Highlights include the “Mercury Wing” catsuit from the 1975–76 “Night At the Opera” tour that Freddie also wore in the “Bohemian Rhapsody” video and the crown and cloak that he donned for his final stage appearance with Queen at Knebworth in 1986. Personal items and clothing belonging to Mercury will be there too.
“We are thrilled to display Freddie’s most iconic costumes at the V&A, celebrating one of greatest performers and songwriters of all time,” noted Senior Curator of Theater and Performance Kate Bailey. “Reflecting his love of ‘splendid things’ and his passion for art, design and fashion, Freddie will be very at home in the V&A galleries.”
“Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things” will be on view 24 October 2026 – 17 January 2027 at the V&A South Kensington.