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See Freddie Mercury's most iconic costumes at the V&A's new free display

From the legendary Mercury Wing catsuit to the iconic crown and cloak, discover the must-see pieces in the V&A's new Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things display opening this October.
Hannah Cornish
Written by Hannah Cornish 28 August 2026
a landscape collage, with a man in the left side frame wearing a royal red cape and bowing slightly to remove a regal gold crown, and a man on the staring sombre past the camera and wearing a dark outfit with a tied red garment across his chest.
Left image: Freddie Mercury during the Magic Tour 1986. Photo credit Denis O’Regan. Right image: Freddie Mercury in the Made in Heaven music video. Photo credit Simon Fowler. © V&A

Is this the real life? This autumn, the V&A South Kensington is celebrating Freddie Mercury's extraordinary legacy with a new free display featuring some of the star's most iconic costumes.

From the legendary Mercury Wing catsuit to the famous crown and cloak worn during Queen's Magic Tour, Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things brings together unforgettable looks from across his career.

Here's everything you need to know about visiting this must-see London exhibition.

Everything you need to know about Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things at the V&A South Kensington

  • 📍 Where: V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL
  • 🚇 Nearest station: South Kensington (Piccadilly, Circle and District)
  • 📅 When: Saturday 24th October 2026 – Sunday 17th January 2027
  • 💸 Price: Free
  • 👢 What to expect: See iconic costumes, rare memorabilia and theatrical Queen displays along the free trail
  • 👥 Who is this for?: Queen and Freddie Mercury fans, pop culture enthusiasts and anyone interested in British music history

Step inside the world of Freddie Mercury at the V&A

To celebrate what would have been Freddie Mercury's 80th birthday year, the V&A South Kensington is inviting fans to experience a kind of magic with a new free display of eight iconic costumes from the legendary performer's career.

Running from 24 October 2026 to 17 January 2027, Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things charts the Queen frontman's journey from ambitious young musician to global superstar.

Follow the trail through the museum to discover some of Mercury's most unforgettable looks, displayed among the V&A's world-renowned collections of art, fashion and design.

See Freddie’s most famous stage outfits up close

a black and white photo with a man wearing a dark, tight fitting suit and a large, light cape bellowing in the wind behind him as he looks just past the cameras

Follow the journey from rising rock star to global superstar through some of the most recognisable outfits in music history, with highlights including:

  • The legendary Mercury Wing catsuit, worn during Queen's A Night at the Opera tour and immortalised in the iconic Bohemian Rhapsody music video.
  • The instantly recognisable crown and cloak from Queen's 1986 Magic Tour, worn by Mercury during his final live performances with the band.
  • A striking monochrome outfit worn at an early Queen gig at Imperial College, later featured on the cover of the band's debut album.
  • Costumes from Mercury's solo years, including pieces associated with the Made in Heaven music video.

Many of the outfits on display have been loaned by Mary Austin, Mercury's former fiancé, lifelong friend and confidante, giving fans a rare chance to see these treasured pieces beyond the stage and spotlight.

Discover the stories behind Freddie's most famous outfits

Created by award-winning designer Tom Piper, the creative force behind the V&A's Taylor Swift | Songbook Trail and Tower of London poppies, each stop on the trail will bring a different chapter of Freddie Mercury's story to life.

Visitors can expect theatrical displays, immersive set designs and, in some locations, sound and lighting that capture the energy, style and spectacle of one of music's greatest performers. Visitors can also look out for a programme of special events and activities taking place alongside the display throughout its run.

After following the Freddie Mercury V&A trail, explore more of the V&A's renowned collections, from more than 3,000 dazzling pieces in the Jewellery Gallery to the evolution of global style through iconic garments and contemporary couture in the Fashion Galleries.

How to book tickets

A vast light-filled white hall at Victoria and Albert Museum, featuring sculptures and statues on pedestals, artefacts on walls and a curved, glass roof.

Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things at the V&A South Kensington is a free exhibition, and no ticket is required.

Visitors can explore the trail through the museum galleries at no extra cost, from 24 October 2026 to 17 January 2027.

Whether you're a lifelong Queen fan, fascinated by music history or simply looking for a free cultural experience in London, Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things promises a rare glimpse into the creativity, craftsmanship and charisma behind one of Britain's greatest performers.

More top exhibitions in London in 2026:

Things to do nearby in South Kensington

A dinosaur skeleton in the garden of the Natural History Museum on a sunny day

Discover more things to do in Kensington, from top attractions and world-famous museums to beautiful parks, restaurants and hidden gems.

A short walk from the V&A you will find:

  • More than 80 million objects and unique treasures spanning 4.5 billion years at the Natural History Museum
  • Award-winning exhibitions, iconic objects and stories of scientific achievements at the Science Museum
  • The peaceful landscape and cultural landmarks in Kensington Gardens, including Kensington Palace and the Septentine Galleries
  • One of the most famous music and concert venues in the world, the Royal Albert Hall

…and so much more!