Freddie Mercury: Splendid Things at the V&A – Free London Exhibition Guide

Freddie was, and always will be, an icon.

This autumn, the V&A South Kensington is celebrating Freddie Mercury in the year that would have marked his 80th birthday with Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things, a free trail exploring eight looks from across his extraordinary career.

Latest Update

Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things opens at the V&A South Kensington on Saturday 24 October 2026. The V&A currently lists the display as free and centred on eight looks from across Freddie Mercury’s career, with objects loaned by Mary Austin.

What Is Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things?

This is much more than a display of famous costumes. The V&A is using six stops across its permanent galleries to explore how Freddie’s clothes, accessories and visual identity became part of the performer the world knew.

Each stop will place one of Freddie’s looks in conversation with the museum’s own collections and architecture, with specially made mannequins posed to reflect his famously charismatic presence. Some of the installations will also use sound and light.

What Can You See?

The eight looks span the 1970s and 1980s and cover both Queen and Freddie’s solo career.

• A striking monochrome ensemble worn for an early Queen gig at Imperial College and featured on the cover of Queen’s 1973 debut album.
• The Mercury Wing catsuit designed by Wendy de Smet, worn during Queen’s A Night at the Opera tour in 1975–76 and seen in the Bohemian Rhapsody video.
• Freddie’s signature crown and cloak, designed by Diana Moseley and worn on Queen’s 1986 Magic Tour, including his final stage appearance with Queen at Knebworth.
• The costume worn in the Made in Heaven music video during Freddie’s solo career.
• Accessories and pieces from Freddie’s personal wardrobe, offering a glimpse of the man behind the Mercury persona.

Why Freddie Mercury Remains an Icon

There are performers who have great songs, and then there are performers who seem to completely own the space the moment they appear. Freddie Mercury was firmly in the second camp.

His voice, humour, confidence and unmistakable style made him one of the defining figures in music history. His clothes were never just decoration either. Mary Austin describes them as an important part of his creative self-expression and the way he built an image big enough to match the arenas and crowds he performed to.

That is what makes this display so interesting: it looks at Freddie not only as a singer, but as someone who understood image, fashion and performance as part of one complete creative identity.

Who Designed the Exhibition?

The trail has been designed by award-winning designer Tom Piper, whose work spans theatre, opera and major cultural installations. His credits include productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Tower of London poppies, the V&A’s Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser and the Taylor Swift | Songbook Trail.

Each Freddie installation will have its own distinct setting, using set dressing and, in some spaces, sound and light to bring moments from his musical career back to life.

Dates, Location & Entry

• Display: Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things
• Opens: Saturday 24 October 2026
• Venue: V&A South Kensington
• Address: Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
• Entry: Free
• Format: Six-stop trail across the V&A’s permanent galleries

Why See It?

If you love Queen, music history, fashion, costume or brilliant pop-culture exhibitions, this is an easy one to add to a London day out — especially because entry is free.

For me, the appeal is seeing the craftsmanship and thinking behind a visual identity that became instantly recognisable around the world. Freddie did not simply wear memorable clothes; he used them as part of the performance.

Plan Your Visit

The V&A South Kensington sits in London’s museum district, making it easy to build a full culture day around the Freddie trail. The Natural History Museum and Science Museum are both nearby, while the V&A itself has permanent collections covering fashion, photography, theatre, performance, art and design.

South Kensington Underground station is the nearest major Tube stop.

Accessibility

The display is spread across the V&A’s permanent galleries. Check the V&A’s current accessibility information before travelling if you need step-free access, seating, hearing support or other adjustments.

Clarissa’s Review

Review coming after my visit.

I’m hoping to see Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things during its run and will add my own photos and thoughts here once I’ve visited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things free?

Yes. The V&A currently lists the display as free to visit.

When does Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things open?

The display opens at V&A South Kensington on Saturday 24 October 2026.

Where is the Freddie Mercury display?

It is at V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL.

How many Freddie Mercury looks are featured?

The V&A says the free trail celebrates eight looks spanning Freddie Mercury’s career.

Is there a related V&A event?

Yes. The V&A is hosting Staging Freddie on Friday 23 October 2026, a talk about the stories behind his stage looks.

More Culture on Clarissa’s Corner

Details checked against the current V&A listing. Venue information can change, so check before travelling.