Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things

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"I like to be surrounded by splendid things," Freddie Mercury said in 1978. "I want to lead a Victorian life surrounded by exquisite clutter." For his 80th birthday year the V&A takes him at his word: eight of his looks go out into the permanent galleries, set beside the museum's own objects and architecture, instead of into an exhibition room.

You find him by walking the building. There are six stops, each built around one moment in his career, with posed mannequins and, at some, sound and light. Mary Austin, his former fiancée, lent seven of the eight looks, from the monochrome outfit on Queen's 1973 debut album cover to the crown and cloak of Knebworth 1986, his last show with the band. That outfit has barely travelled: he wore it at an early gig at Imperial College, just up Exhibition Road.

It's free with no booking, during museum hours (Fridays until 22:00). Expect eight outfits spread across a big building, not a full exhibition.