Handel's house open to the public

Handel lived at 25 Brook Street, London W1, from 1723 until his death in 1759. The Museum celebrates the life of the composer and promotes knowledge of his contribution to British and international cultural life. The Museum occupies Handel's former home and the adjacent house, and allows display and interpretation of objects relating to his life. Rooms are used for musical rehearsals, bringing to life the house where masterpieces such as Messiah, the Coronation Anthems and Music for the Royal Fireworks were originally composed.

This is the first museum devoted to a composer in London and offers rare access to beautifully restored Georgian interiors. The fine art, including loans from major British private and public collections, are displayed in the four main rooms of 25 Brook Street and illustrate themes such as Handel's London. The adjoining house (where rock musician Jimi Hendrix had a flat in 1968/69) provides temporary exhibition space and room for educational activities.

Highlights from the displays include a letter from Handel, an autograph leaf from the oratorio Esther and an arrangement of a Handel fugue by Mozart. The Museum is rich with works of art including a portrait of Handel from the Royal Collection, a portrait of the soprano Faustina Bordoni by Bartolomeo Nazari and a portrait of the composer JC Smith the Younger by Johann Zoffany.

There is a lively series of events relating to Handel including guided tours, recitals, study events and children's activities. The Museum is open until 8pm on Thursdays with live music and talks.

The total cost of the project, including an endowment, is £5.3m. The more than 3000 supporters include the Heritage Lottery Fund, as well as the Co-operative Insurance Society, the owners of the freehold.

Posted: 8 November 2001