Eight looks worn by Freddie Mercury go on display at V&A South Kensington from Saturday 24 October 2026 in Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things, a free trail through the museum’s galleries marking what would have been the Queen frontman’s 80th birthday year.
The trail was developed with Mary Austin, Freddie’s former fiancée and close friend of 20 years, who has loaned seven of the looks to the V&A. Together they trace his career from Queen’s early gigs to his success as a solo star.
What you’ll see on the Freddie Mercury trail at the V&A
The trail has six stops, each staged as a mini theatrical scene set among the V&A’s own collections. Specially made mannequins are posed mid-performance to capture Freddie’s famous stage presence, and some spaces add sound and dramatic lighting.
Highlights include:
- The Imperial College ensemble, 1973: a monochrome glam-rock two-piece worn at an early Queen gig and seen on the cover of the band’s debut album.
- Pieces from his private wardrobe: an early 1970s jacket worn for rehearsals and press shots, plus a kimono reflecting his love of Japanese design.
- The ‘Mercury Wing’ catsuit, 1975: designed by Wendy de Smet with wing motifs at the cuffs, worn on the Night at the Opera tour and in the Bohemian Rhapsody video. It stands near the spiky black ‘Spine Suit’, another de Smet collaboration.
- The Flash ensemble, 1980: featuring a red and white Flash T-shirt hand-drawn by Freddie, alongside his trademark half mic.
- The Made in Heaven costume, 1985: designed by Diana Moseley for the music video and inspired by his love of dance.
- The cloak and crown, 1986: the regal finale costume from the Magic Tour, including his last stage appearance with Queen at Knebworth.
In the Tapestry Gallery, sound designer Gareth Fry has reworked the original 1975 isolated recordings of Bohemian Rhapsody into an atmospheric spatial audio piece that plays alongside the costumes. Older children who know the song will love hearing it in a completely new way.
Kate Bailey, Senior Curator of Theatre and Performance at the V&A, said the trail invites visitors “to see these remarkable costumes up close” and reflects Freddie’s love of “splendid things” and his passion for art, design and fashion.
Mary Austin added that his costumes were “never mere accoutrements” but essential to his performances and self-expression, designed to make an impact that still reaches across the generations today.
Festive Fridays at the V&A
The trail will also be open during Festive Fridays, a new series of after-hours evenings every Friday from 20 November to 18 December. Expect pop-up performances and entertainment, seasonal drinks to buy, and the chance to tick off some Christmas shopping in the museum’s three shops.
Good to know
- Where: V&A South Kensington, London
- When: from Saturday 24 October 2026
- Price: free
