Handel & Hendrix in London
25 Brook St., Mayfair, London, Greater London, W1K 4HB
Handel & Hendrix in London celebrates the life and work of two legendary musicians: 20th-century guitar god Jimi Hendrix and 18th-century baroque composer George Frideric Handel. While the artists may have lived 200 years apart, they occupied side-by-side Mayfair townhouses, which have been converted into a museum featuring period interiors and musical artifacts.
The Basics
Initially established as the Handel House Museum in 2001, the institution began life at 25 Brook Street: the address where George Frideric Handel lived for 36 years (and where he composed many of his most popular works, including theMessiah oratorio). Prior to its opening, the interior was restored and outfitted with furniture that skewed as closely to the 18th-century originals as possible. Today, its collection features manuscripts, instruments, and other items owned by Handel. In 2016, the museum expanded with the opening of the Hendrix Flat at 23 Brook Street, which features 1960s decor. Visitors can now explore the lives of both musicians in one visit.
Handel & Hendrix in London is included in the London Pass program. It’s also possible to book tickets and tours online in advance of your visit.
Things to Know Before You Go
Weekly guided tours are held on Friday afternoons and can be booked in advance.
The museum has full access and facilities for visitors with disabilities; disabled parking is also available on Brooks Mews.
In order to protect the heritage building, avoid wearing stiletto heels or leather-soled shoes.
Entry to the museum is free for all children on Saturdays.
Handel & Hendrix in London hosts a yearly composer-in-residence program.
How to Get There
The joint museum is conveniently located in Mayfair, in Central London’s West End. If traveling by Tube, take the Central or Jubilee line to Bond Street station or the Victoria, Central, or Bakerloo line to Oxford Circus station. The museum can also be reached by numerous bus lines as well as on foot, by bike, or by taxi.
When to Get There
Handel & Hendrix in London is open Monday–Saturday, 11am–6pm (last entry to the museum is at 5pm). In addition to its regular visiting hours, the institution also hosts an array of talks, live music performances, guitar lessons, and other events; it’s worth researching its calendar before you visit.
The Hendrix Flat
Centuries after the baroque composer lived on Brook Street, another luminary moved right next door: Jimi Hendrix, who lived at 23 Brook Street (the residence of his girlfriend Kathy Etchingham) on and off from 1968 to 1969. Today, the renovated apartment is outfitted with Hendrix’s former possessions and Swinging Sixties–style interiors.
Ways to explore
With a single admission ticket, you can explore the lives of both musicians at Handel's 4-floor house at 25 Brook Street and Hendrix’s top-floor apartment at 23 Brook Street. Both residences have been restored to appear as they did when they were home to their famous residents. Visitors can see the very place where Handel composed many of his most popular works, see Hendrix’s handwritten lyrics, and learn about both musicians’ impact and their enduring legacies.
Themed London walking tours, particularly those focused on music history, often included a brief stop outside the museum.
Accessibility
The museum is accessible to wheelchairs, strollers, and visitors with limited mobility. There is step-free access, an elevator connecting all floors, and accessible restrooms. Note that the elevator sometimes has maintenance issues, so it is worth contacting the venue ahead of your visit to confirm it’s working. Service dogs are welcome.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Small bag, water bottle
What to wear
Wear flat, comfortable shoes: The original floors are uneven and can be damaged by stiletto heels.
Not allowed
Eating or drinking (except bottled water), large bags and suitcases, pets
Amenities
Restrooms, seating
Address
The museum is in Mayfair and is easily accessible by public transportation via the tube or buses. Many travelers walk here while sightseeing in the area.
Driving
Rather than tackling London traffic and looking for expensive parking, hail a cab or book a rideshare.
Public transportation
Take the Central, Jubilee, or Elizabeth line to Bond Street station, which is a 3-minute walk away. Oxford Circus is a 7-minute walk, served by the Victoria, Central, and Bakerloo lines. Many buses stop locally, including the 7, 8, 10, 25, 55, 73, 98, 176, and 390.
Best times to visit
Arrive soon after opening, around 10am, to avoid the crowds.
Best days to visit
On Thursday afternoons, the museum hosts talks on Handel’s time in London. Twice a month, on Saturday and Sunday, the museum hosts an afternoon of baroque and rock music.
Best months to visit
The summer months (June through August) typically offer the most activities and events.
Special events
The museum has a busy calendar of events throughout the year. Check the website for the latest details.
Ways to explore
With a single admission ticket, you can explore the lives of both musicians at Handel's 4-floor house at 25 Brook Street and Hendrix’s top-floor apartment at 23 Brook Street. Both residences have been restored to appear as they did when they were home to their famous residents. Visitors can see the very place where Handel composed many of his most popular works, see Hendrix’s handwritten lyrics, and learn about both musicians’ impact and their enduring legacies.
Themed London walking tours, particularly those focused on music history, often included a brief stop outside the museum.
Accessibility
The museum is accessible to wheelchairs, strollers, and visitors with limited mobility. There is step-free access, an elevator connecting all floors, and accessible restrooms. Note that the elevator sometimes has maintenance issues, so it is worth contacting the venue ahead of your visit to confirm it’s working. Service dogs are welcome.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Small bag, water bottle
What to wear
Wear flat, comfortable shoes: the original floors are uneven and can be damaged by stiletto heels.
Not allowed
Eating or drinking (except bottled water), large bags and suitcases, pets
Amenities
Restrooms, seating
Address
The museum is in Mayfair and is easily accessible by public transportation via the tube or buses. Many travelers walk here while sightseeing in the area.
Driving
Rather than tackling London traffic and looking for expensive parking, hail a cab or book a rideshare.
Public transportation
Take the Central, Jubilee, or Elizabeth line to Bond Street station, which is a 3-minute walk away. Oxford Circus is a 7-minute walk, served by the Victoria, Central, and Bakerloo lines. Many buses stop locally, including the 7, 8, 10, 25, 55, 73, 98, 176, and 390.
Best times to visit
Arrive soon after opening, around 10am, to avoid the crowds.
Best days to visit
On Thursday afternoons, the museum hosts talks on Handel’s time in London. Twice a month, on Saturday and Sunday, the museum hosts an afternoon of baroque and rock music.
Best months to visit
The summer months (June through August) typically offer the most activities and events.
Special events
The museum has a busy calendar of events throughout the year. Check the website for the latest details.
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