V&A Museum to host Freddie Mercury costume exhibition

Freddie Mercury V&A Museum Queen band music exhibition costume design

The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) will host a free exhibition titled ‘Splendid Things’ to commemorate what would have been Freddie Mercury’s 80th birthday. Developed in collaboration with Mercury’s former fiancée and close friend Mary Austin, the exhibition will showcase eight iconic costumes and accessories worn by the Queen frontman during the 1970s and 1980s.

Mary Austin has personally loaned seven of the eight looks for the display. The collection includes the monochrome ensemble from Queen’s 1973 debut album cover, the ‘Mercury Wing’ catsuit designed by Wendy de Smet, and the crown and cloak designed by Diana Moseley used during the 1986 Magic Tour. The exhibition aims to highlight Mercury’s creative vision and flamboyant stage presence.

In addition to the museum display, which is scheduled to run from 24 October 2026 to 17 January 2027, a birthday celebration is planned for 5 September 2026 in Montreux, Switzerland. This event at Casino Barrière will raise funds for the Mercury Phoenix Trust to support the fight against AIDS worldwide.

Entities

Freddie Mercury · Mary Austin · Mercury Phoenix Trust · Queen · Victoria and Albert Museum

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The exhibition is scheduled to run from 24 October 2026 to 17 January 2027. www.wallpaper.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The V&A will host a free exhibition titled ‘Splendid Things’ to celebrate Freddie Mercury’s 80th birthday. www.wallpaper.com · www.independent.co.uk · www.standard.co.uk
[● 3 SOURCES] Mary Austin, Mercury’s former fiancée and friend, collaborated on the exhibition and loaned seven of the eight looks. www.wallpaper.com · www.independent.co.uk · www.standard.co.uk
[● 3 SOURCES] The display features a crown and cloak designed by Diana Moseley worn during the 1986 Magic Tour. www.wallpaper.com · www.independent.co.uk · www.standard.co.uk
[○ 1 SOURCE] The exhibition will be displayed across the V&A’s permanent galleries and is free to visit. www.wallpaper.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The exhibition will feature eight iconic looks worn by Mercury during the 1970s and 1980s. www.wallpaper.com · www.independent.co.uk · www.standard.co.uk
[● 3 SOURCES] The collection includes the ‘Mercury Wing’ catsuit designed by Wendy de Smet. www.wallpaper.com · www.independent.co.uk · www.standard.co.uk
[● 3 SOURCES] Displayed items include the monochrome outfit from Queen’s 1973 debut album cover. www.wallpaper.com · www.independent.co.uk · www.standard.co.uk

Sources

Freddie Mercury’s Costumes to Go on View at V&A Museum [usaartnews.com]

2 days ago

The V&A will celebrate Freddie Mercury in a free exhibition [www.wallpaper.com]

2 days ago

The Official Freddie Mercury Birthday Party 2026: PARTY GUIDE [brianmay.com]

4 days ago

Freddie Mercury’s iconic costumes to be displayed at new London exhibition [ca.news.yahoo.com]

2 days ago

Freddie Mercury’s iconic costumes to be displayed at new London exhibition [www.independent.co.uk]

2 days ago

Freddie Mercury costumes to go on display at V&A to mark his 80th birthday [www.standard.co.uk]

2 days ago