Julien’s Auctions’ European exhibition of Michael Jackson memorabilia has officially opened at the Museum of Style Icons at Newbridge Silverware in County Kildare, Ireland, bringing together fans, collectors and curious visitors for a rare opportunity to see some of Michael’s most recognisable costumes and personal items.
Titled A Thriller Of An Exhibition – Michael Jackson: A Fashion Legacy, the exhibition opened on Friday, October 30, and is the only European stop for this collection before it continues its journey to the Middle East, ahead of Julien’s Auctions’ major Michael Jackson: The Fashion Legacy sale in Abu Dhabi this December.
And judging by the turnout on opening day, there was certainly plenty of interest.
Fans, both new and old, gathered at Newbridge Silverware to get up close to pieces of Michael Jackson history. For some of the younger generation, it was probably the first opportunity to stand in front of costumes they had previously only seen in photographs, music videos or on television. For others, it was perhaps a chance to see these remarkable pieces in person for what could potentially be the last time before they disappear into private collections.
And, of course, in today’s social media world, it was also an opportunity to capture plenty of photographs and videos to share online for those who were there just for that.
Either way, I was genuinely impressed to see so many people turning up. It was particularly interesting to recognise some familiar faces among the visitors, alongside younger fans discovering these pieces for themselves.
Michael Bush Meets The Fans
The exhibition was officially opened by Michael Bush, Michael Jackson’s longtime costume designer and collaborator, who worked alongside Dennis Tompkins on many of the iconic outfits that helped define Michael’s stage image.
Bush was present for the grand opening, meeting visitors and signing copies of his book, The King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson. He also happily signed fans’ jackets, photographs and other memorabilia brought along for the occasion.
There was something rather ironic about seeing so many people queuing to have items signed by Bush, particularly considering the ongoing discussions and unanswered questions surrounding the provenance of some of the costumes and memorabilia associated with Michael Jackson.
I couldn’t help wondering whether anyone attending had taken the opportunity to ask questions about the history and ownership of the pieces on display, or about the signatures appearing on some of the costumes.
From what I observed, the excitement of meeting Bush and having a personal memento signed seemed to take centre stage.
Irish comedian Fred Cooke was also among those who came along to see the collection, adding another familiar face to an opening that attracted interest beyond the usual circle of dedicated collectors.
A Collection Of Iconic Pieces
There is no denying that the exhibition contains some extraordinary pieces of Michael Jackson history.
Among the main attractions is the illuminated red and black Thriller jacket created by Michael Bush and Dennis Tompkins and worn by Michael during his 1987–1989 Bad World Tour.
Visitors can also see the famous rhinestone-studded white glove worn during Michael’s legendary Billie Jean performance at the 1983 Motown 25 television special, the performance that introduced his signature Moonwalk to millions of viewers.
Completing this remarkable trio are the black leather Florsheim loafers associated with rehearsals for that historic Motown 25 performance.
The exhibition also includes a selection of costumes and memorabilia associated with Michael’s Bad, Dangerous and HIStory eras.
These are not simply clothes. They are pieces connected to some of the most memorable moments in entertainment history, representing the creativity, attention to detail and extraordinary visual imagination that made Michael Jackson such an influential performer.
The Journey Continues To Abu Dhabi
The Newbridge exhibition is only a brief stop on the road to Julien’s Auctions’ December sale.
Following its European appearance, the collection will continue its international exhibition programme, including previews in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, before the Michael Jackson: The Fashion Legacy auction takes place at Rosewood Abu Dhabi.
For collectors, the stakes could be considerable. The famous Motown 25 glove, for example, carries a pre-auction estimate of US$600,000 to US$800,000, while the Florsheim loafers are estimated at US$60,000 to US$80,000.
With some of these pieces potentially changing hands for extraordinary sums, the Newbridge exhibition offers a particularly interesting opportunity to see them before they go under the hammer.
Still Time To Visit!
If you missed the grand opening and were hoping to meet Michael Bush, there is one important detail worth remembering: Bush’s appearance was for the opening on October 30. However, the exhibition itself remains open to the public until Sunday, November 8.
So, no need to worry if you missed his visit. You can still see the costumes and memorabilia without having to share the experience with their former designer!
Admission is completely FREE, and visitors can walk into the Museum of Style Icons at Newbridge Silverware to experience this unique collection.
For Michael Jackson fans, whether you have followed his career for decades or discovered his music more recently, this is a rare opportunity to stand just a few feet away from some of the most recognisable pieces of his extraordinary legacy.
A Thriller Of An Exhibition – Michael Jackson: A Fashion Legacy
Dates: October 30 – November 8, 2026
Venue: Museum of Style Icons, Newbridge Silverware, County Kildare, Ireland
Admission: FREE
More information: click here
