Portrait of Faustina Bordoni Italian opera singer in 18th century

Handel Hendrix House

Handel Hendrix House London: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: The Dual Legacy of Handel Hendrix House

Nestled in London’s prestigious Mayfair district, the Handel Hendrix House stands as a unique testament to the city’s enduring musical innovation. This one-of-a-kind London historical site unites the former residences of two musical giants from vastly different eras: George Frideric Handel, the Baroque composer whose works defined 18th-century classical music, and Jimi Hendrix, the groundbreaking rock guitarist who helped define the sound of the 1960s. These adjoining Georgian townhouses at 23 and 25 Brook Street are separated by centuries, yet forever linked by their creative spirit and shared connection to London (Handel Hendrix House; Living London History).

Visitors can immerse themselves in both Handel’s elegantly restored home—where masterpieces like “Messiah” were composed—and Hendrix’s vibrant 1960s flat, which captures the essence of Swinging London. Beyond its preserved interiors, the museum is a vibrant cultural hub with live performances, guided tours, interactive exhibits, and special events that bring the stories and music of both legends to life.

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to plan your visit, including up-to-date opening hours, ticketing options, accessibility details, and tips for exploring nearby attractions. Discover why the Handel Hendrix House is considered a must-visit destination among London’s musical and historical landmarks (Handel Hendrix House History; Museums + Heritage).

Introduction: The Dual Legacy of Handel Hendrix House
Origins and Development of Handel Hendrix House
Visiting Handel Hendrix House: Hours, Tickets & Accessibility
Cultural and Historical Significance
Key Dates and Figures
The House as a Living Museum
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion: Plan Your Visit
References

Portrait of Gaetano Guadagni, Italian castrato opera singer

Portrait of George Frideric Handel composing beside a one manual harpsichord

Jimi Hendrix's Bedroom at Handel Hendrix House Museum

Interior bedroom view at Handel Hendrix House Museum where Jimi Hendrix stayed

Historic Handel House at 57 Lower Brook Street, Hanover Square, London

Watercolour painting of George Frideric Handel's house at 25 Brook Street, Mayfair, London

Origins and Development of Handel Hendrix House

The Unique Coincidence of Two Musical Legends

Handel Hendrix House occupies two adjacent Georgian townhouses in Mayfair—25 Brook Street, where Handel lived and composed for 36 years, and 23 Brook Street, Hendrix’s London home in 1968–69 (Handel Hendrix House). Their proximity is a remarkable historical coincidence, reflecting London’s lasting role as a magnet for creative talent.

Handel’s Era: 18th-Century London

George Frideric Handel moved into 25 Brook Street in 1723. At that time, Mayfair was developing into an elegant suburb, and Handel’s arrival paralleled London’s emergence as a global center for the arts (Living London History). Handel composed some of his most famous works here, including “Zadok the Priest” (1727), “Messiah” (1741), and “Music for the Royal Fireworks” (1749) (Wikipedia; About London Laura). The house quickly became a hub of musical activity, with rehearsals, recitals, and gatherings of patrons.

In 1870, the first blue plaque ever dedicated to a musician was installed at 25 Brook Street, underlining its longstanding cultural significance (Living London History).

Hendrix’s Arrival: 1960s London

Jimi Hendrix arrived in London in 1966, drawn by its thriving music scene. By 1968, he was living at 23 Brook Street with partner Kathy Etchingham (About London Laura). Hendrix’s time in Mayfair, though brief, was highly creative—hosting musicians, composing, and soaking in London’s cultural energy (Living London History). He was intrigued by Handel’s blue plaque next door and even bought recordings of Handel’s music, creating a symbolic bridge between the two eras.

Preservation and Museum Creation

Early Efforts and the Handel House Trust

Efforts to preserve Handel’s home as a museum began in earnest in the late 20th century. The Handel House Trust was formally established in the 1990s, and with support from musicians and the Heritage Lottery Fund, the upper floors of 25 and 23 Brook Street were leased in 2000. The Handel House Museum opened to the public in 2001 (Handel Hendrix House History).

Expansion to Include Hendrix’s Flat

In 2016, the museum expanded to include a faithfully restored version of Hendrix’s flat, supported by further grants and historical research (Museums + Heritage).

The Hallelujah Project and Recent Restorations

The £3 million Hallelujah Project (2021–2023) restored Handel’s basement and ground floor—previously used as commercial space—returning the house to its 18th-century character and enhancing visitor facilities. The museum fully reopened in May 2023, exactly 300 years after Handel moved in (Museums + Heritage).

Visiting Handel Hendrix House: Hours, Tickets & Accessibility

Location and Getting There

Address: 23–25 Brook Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 4HB
Nearest Tube: Bond Street (Central, Jubilee, Elizabeth lines; 3 minutes’ walk), Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central, Victoria lines)

How to Get There – Historic Houses

Opening Hours

Open: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00–17:00 (last entry 16:00)
Closed: Monday and Tuesday

Check the official website for seasonal or holiday closures.

Ticket Prices

Adults: £14.50
Students: £10
Children under 16 (with family group): Free
Groups (10–20): 10% discount
Carers: Free

Advance online booking is strongly recommended. Purchase at the museum website.

Accessibility

Step-free access and entrances
Lift to all public floors
Accessible toilets on ground floor
Assistance and guide dogs welcome
Neurodiverse-friendly layout; contact the museum for specific accommodations (Historic Houses: Accessibility)

Facilities

Museum shop: Accessible, with books, recordings, and souvenirs
Toilets: Standard and accessible
No cloakroom: Large bags may be restricted; travel light

Visitor Experience

Explore Handel’s four-floor Georgian residence: bedroom, dining room, kitchen, and parlours
Hendrix’s flat: restored to reflect his 1960s lifestyle, featuring memorabilia and interactive displays
Audio guides and multimedia exhibits enhance your visit
Live music performances and curator talks included in admission

Tips

Allocate 1–2 hours for a full experience
No food or drink allowed in exhibition areas
Photography permitted without flash or tripods

Cultural and Historical Significance

Handel Hendrix House is more than a preserved residence; it’s a living monument to musical innovation. Handel’s compositions, many written and performed at Brook Street, shaped Western classical music—“Zadok the Priest” has been sung at every British coronation since 1727 (LondonWorld). Hendrix’s flat captures the dynamic spirit of 1960s London, a period of artistic experimentation and cross-cultural exchange.

The museum’s dual focus, ongoing restoration, and educational programming ensure its relevance for future generations (Handel Hendrix House; Museums + Heritage).

Key Dates and Figures

1723: Handel moves into 25 Brook Street
1759: Handel dies at Brook Street
1870: Blue plaque installed for Handel
1968–69: Hendrix resides at 23 Brook Street
2001: Handel House Museum opens
2016: Hendrix’s flat restored and opened to visitors
2021–2023: Hallelujah Project completes full restoration (Handel Hendrix House History; Museums + Heritage)

The House as a Living Museum

Today, visitors can explore both Handel’s meticulously restored Georgian rooms and Hendrix’s recreated flat. Daily live performances, interactive exhibits, and expert-led tours offer a vivid, hands-on experience of London’s musical heritage (Handel Hendrix House).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the museum’s visiting hours?
A: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00–17:00 (last entry 16:00), closed Monday and Tuesday.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Book online via the official website. Advance booking is advised.

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with step-free access and lifts to all floors.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, private group tours can be pre-arranged.

Q: Can I bring my assistance dog?
A: Trained assistance dogs are welcome; contact the museum for other assistance animals.

Q: Are there live performances?
A: Yes, live music is performed daily and during special events.

Conclusion: Plan Your Visit

Handel Hendrix House stands as one of London’s most distinctive historical sites, celebrating the creative genius of two music legends. With its restored interiors, engaging exhibits, and dynamic cultural programming, it offers an enriching experience for music lovers, families, and history enthusiasts alike.

Plan your visit by booking tickets online, checking the latest opening hours, and exploring nearby Mayfair attractions such as the Wallace Collection and Royal Academy of Arts. Enhance your experience with audio guides or apps like Audiala for immersive content that brings the stories of Handel and Hendrix to life.