Freddie Mercury's Boundary-Pushing Costumes Take Center Stage at the Victoria and Albert Museum to Mark the 80th Anniversary of His Birth
Eight ensembles from the Queen frontman's career will be displayed across six stops in the London museum's permanent galleries, offering a glimpse into the clothes behind his legendary stage persona
On the 80th anniversary of Freddie Mercury's birth, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London is showcasing eight iconic looks from the Queen frontman's legendary wardrobe. The exhibition, titled "Freddie Mercury: Splendid Things," will run from October 24, 2026, to January 17, 2027. Titled "Splendid Things," the exhibit highlights Mercury's boundary-pushing costumes and their pivotal role in his performances and creative vision.
Curated by Mary Austin, a longtime friend and once fiancée of the late musician, the show features seven items from her personal collection, displaying a diverse range of costumes spanning Mercury's career in the 1970s and 1980s. Each look is displayed on custom mannequins, capturing Mercury's dynamic stage presence. The exhibition also includes accessories and personal items from Mercury's wardrobe, offering visitors a glimpse into the man behind the stage persona.
The garments, which ranged from a monochrome ensemble worn during the band's early years to the elaborate "Mercury Wing" catsuit from the Night at the Opera Tour, were designed to create a lasting visual and emotional impact. Costume designer Julian Day, who worked on the 2018 biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, noted that Mercury's fashion choices went beyond traditional norms, embracing an "underground" style that was deeply personal and expressive.
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