World’s largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts and design
The OUT Museum, created by Chen in San Francisco’s Chinatown, has opened with a small exhibit of Chinese queer art, as activists and artists push for broader recognition of LGBTQ+ voices in China and the diaspora. The project began in China via Kickstarter and now thrives in a city navigating policy changes around LGBTQ+ rights.
The David Bowie: On Tour exhibition has begun its national run, starting at V&A Dundee and touring to Blackpool, County Durham, Hull and Bristol. It features more than 100 artefacts, including Ziggy Stardust costumes, Berlin-era keys, Low-era art and a rare Simpsons-related item, drawn from Bowie's stored archive.
A family’s attic discovery of 100+ silver items dating from the 18th to 20th centuries has fetched £59,761 at Elmwood’s auction in London, surpassing pre-sale estimates of around £23,000. The Danish cutlery set led the sale, with other pieces including tea services and a Russian tankard finding new homes.
The Victoria and Albert Museum will host Freddie Mercury Splendid Things, a free trail featuring eight iconic looks spanning his 1970s–80s career. Mary Austin has loaned seven outfits, including the monochrome Imperial College ensemble and the Mercury Wing catsuit. The display runs 24 October 2026 to 17 January 2027, with mannequins, sets and a public programme celebrating Mercury’s flamboyance and design influence.