A new exhibition exploring Freddie Mercury’s personal story to open at the House of Music Hungary

The exhibition, rich in innovative and interactive elements characteristic of the House’s programmes, takes visitors through nine thematic spaces: beginning with Freddie Mercury’s universally beloved stage persona, it gradually reveals the private individual known only to his closest friends. Hundreds of original objects offered by the World of Freddie – including stage costumes, the iconic jacket and shoes he wore at his Budapest concert, handwritten lyrics, drawings, as well as antiques he acquired while travelling, and furniture from his home at Garden Lodge – are complemented by the personal stories of friends and collaborators, providing an insight into the star’s daily life. A unique feature of the exhibition is that Freddie’s former personal assistant and friend, Peter Freestone, guides visitors throughout the entire exhibition in the role of narrator.

“Freddie Mercury was among the first world stars to perform behind the Iron Curtain, in a former socialist country, making his memory particularly close to Hungarian fans. At the iconic Budapest concert of The Magic Tour, he performed the folk song Tavaszi szél [Spring Wind] in Hungarian, having learnt and presenting it with the professionalism so characteristic of him,” - said Márton Horn, Director of the House of Music Hungary and co-curator of the exhibition.

The exhibition also takes visitors behind the scenes: it sheds light on the production of the concerts – which were always an overwhelming experience for the audiences – from creative planning to the rehearsals, and on what took place backstage before and during the performances. It also provides a glimpse into Freddie’s favourite clubs and can even experience his world-famous parties. The thematic spaces recall the star’s favourite pastimes, from marathon Scrabble sessions backstage to his love of Japan and opera, as well as his passion for shopping and giving gifts. The narrative leads visitors through his final years and death, ultimately illuminating the secret of Freddie Mercury: how he became an iconic artist with popularity spanning generations and continuing to inspire and captivate audiences more than thirty years after his passing.