For the first time in the UK, the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) will present an exhibition dedicated to the legendary French queen, Marie Antoinette. The last queen of France was a rococo style icon, profoundly shaping the fashion and taste of European courts. Sponsored by the iconic footwear brand Manolo Blahnik, the exhibition not only explores Marie Antoinette’s role in 18th-century culture but also highlights her lasting influence on contemporary fashion and pop culture.
Marie Antoinette in Court Dress, 1778
This immersive exhibition will transport visitors to the opulent world of the 18th-century French court through captivating audio and visual installations. Guests will enjoy a unique sensory experience, including the chance to encounter the fragrance of the queen’s beloved perfume.
The exhibition will showcase 250 objects, including decorative arts, furniture, and Marie Antoinette’s personal belongings. Highlights include the queen’s dinner service, accessories, and toilette items, many of which have never left the Palace of Versailles before.
A special focus is placed on the queen’s wardrobe. Visitors will marvel at fragments of exquisitely embroidered dresses, silk slippers, and precious jewels from Marie Antoinette’s personal collection.
The exhibition also features contemporary designer clothing inspired by the queen’s style, with works from brands such as Dior, Moschino, Chanel, Erdem, Vivienne Westwood, and Valentino. A dedicated space will showcase the Oscar-winning costumes designed by Milena Canonero for the 2006 film “Marie Antoinette”.
The exhibition opens on 20 September and runs until 22 March 2026. Tickets are priced at £23 on weekdays and £25 on weekends. Pre-booking is available on the museum’s website.
