A new exhibition in Budapest is set to transport fans into the world of Freddie Mercury, offering a unique sensory experience that includes the chance to smell his cologne and taste his favourite sweets. Opening this weekend, 'The World of Freddie' at the House of Music Hungary features over 1,000 items from the late Queen frontman's life, from stage costumes to personal possessions.
Bringing Freddie's World to Life
The exhibition, which will run for a year, was created by Freddie's former personal assistant Peter Freestone and Czech businessman and Queen superfan Tomas Hykel. They spent 18 months tracking down items that were sold at Sotheby's in London in 2023, when Freddie's former fiancée Mary Austin auctioned off his entire estate for £40 million. Highlights include Freddie's baby grand Yamaha piano, which sold for £1.7 million, and the handwritten lyrics to 'Bohemian Rhapsody', which fetched £1.3 million.
A Sensory Journey
Peter Freestone, 71, explained that the exhibition aims to engage all the senses. Visitors can get close to Freddie's clothes, and in different rooms, they will be sprayed with colognes that Freddie used to wear, including Aramis and Karl Lagerfeld. Bowls of Quality Street sweets, particularly the hazelnut ones in purple wrappings that Freddie loved, will be placed around the exhibition for visitors to taste.
Standout items include Freddie's white Adidas high-top sneakers, a jacket from the 'Bohemian Rhapsody' video, the leotard from 'I Want to Break Free', and the pale blue suit he wore at his last public appearance at the 1990 Brit Awards. Also on display are his tuxedo from the 'I'm Going Slightly Mad' video and the Betty Boop T-shirt he wore when Queen played Budapest in 1986.
Memories of a Generous Soul
Peter Freestone, who lived with Freddie and cared for him until his death in 1991, shared memories of the singer's generosity. He recalled how Freddie once bought colognes and returned with bags from Harrods, giving bottles to the cleaning ladies. Two or three months before he died, Freddie bought a painting by Henry Scott Tuke at auction for his friend Elton John, which was delivered after his death.
The exhibition marks the 40th anniversary of Queen's historic concert in Budapest in July 1986, one of the first major international acts to perform behind the Iron Curtain. After closing in April 2027, the exhibition is planned to tour globally as a lasting tribute to Freddie, who would have turned 80 in September.
Peter said: 'We hope fans will love the exhibition. We have over 1,000 items on display which we have managed to get either by buying them back, via fan online resale sites, or they've been loaned to us by collectors. Now we finally have a lasting exhibition to celebrate Freddie's life and legacy for everyone to enjoy.'
Tomas Hykel added: 'I wanted to recreate Freddie's world and wanted to buy as much as possible. I heard the fans when they said they wanted a permanent exhibition or a museum when the items went up for sale at Sotheby's. Now we have one.'
The World of Freddie is now open at The House of Music Hungary, Budapest until April 27, 2027.
