Freddie - The Exhibition

“The founder of the World of Freddie, the organization dedicated to preserving the legendary singer’s legacy, immediately fell in love with the spirit of our house when they visited our permanent exhibition,” comments András Batta, Executive Director of the House of Music Hungary. “This inspired the idea of a joint exhibition, one where the House of Music could be the first to design an exhibition devoted to Freddie Mercury’s personal story. For an institution that has been operating for less than four years, this is not only a tremendous professional honour, but also an extraordinary opportunity to take on a defining role on the international cultural stage.”

Rich in the innovative and interactive elements characteristic of the House’s programming, the exhibition guides visitors through nine thematic spaces: from Freddie Mercury’s universally beloved stage persona to the man only his closest friends truly knew. Alongside the hundreds of original items offered by the World of Freddie – stage costumes including the iconic jacket and shoes worn at the Budapest concert, handwritten lyrics, Freddie’s own drawings, antiques collected during his travels, and furniture from his home at Garden Lodge – friends and colleagues share personal stories that offer insight into the star’s everyday life. One unique feature of the exhibition is that Peter Freestone, Freddie’s longtime personal assistant and friend, accompanies visitors throughout as the narrator, sharing his memories in audio and video recordings. “Freddie thought much more about others than about himself,” recalls Peter Freestone. “He noted every friend’s birthday in a special book he always carried with him, so he would never forget anyone. Even in his final days he bought gifts so that he could surprise his loved ones even when he was no longer around. I just want people to know the real Freddie, I want them to see that this amazing genius, this creative giant, was also a human being.” This is why Freestone embarked on the joint project with Tomas Hykel, founder of the World of Freddie.

The story of the exhibition begins with Freddie Mercury’s musical rise and revisits his legendary concerts, including one of the most memorable events in pop music history, the 1985 Live Aid, and the mass singalong that took place there. “Freddie Mercury was one of the first global superstars to perform beyond the Iron Curtain, in a former socialist country, which is why his memory is especially close to Hungarian fans,” comments Márton Horn, Director of the House of Music Hungary and co-curator of the exhibition. “At the Budapest concert of The Magic Tour, he sang the Hungarian folk song Tavaszi szél with his characteristic professionalism, learning it with extraordinary dedication. Perhaps this is why we feel that this exhibition will not only be a milestone in the life of the House of Music, but also a nationwide event that everyone will want to see.” The exhibition will also reveal the world behind the curtain: how the overwhelming concert experiences were prepared, from creative planning to rehearsals, and what took place backstage before and during performances. Social life and friendships played a defining role in Freddie’s life, and many of these voices will be heard throughout the exhibition.

Visitors can step into the clubs he most often frequented, relive his world-famous parties, and hear his well-known stories. Separate sections recall his favourite pastimes: marathon Scrabble games backstage, his love for both Japan and opera, and his passion for shopping and giving gifts. After he conquered the world, Freddie’s home became his sanctuary. Among the objects, furniture, and artefacts he collected over the years, his true character emerges. The exhibition leads visitors through his final years and up to his death, before reflecting on Freddie Mercury’s secret: how he became universally recognized in his lifetime, and how, more than thirty years after his passing, he continues to inspire and remain a legend.