Handel & Hendrix in London – Two Musical Legends, One Mayfair Address

Two Eras, One Musical Address

Tucked into the quiet elegance of Mayfair’s Brook Street, Handel & Hendrix in London is a unique double portrait of musical genius across centuries. At 25 Brook Street, the Georgian townhouse where George Frideric Handel lived from 1723 until his death in 1759, visitors walk through rooms where some of the most enduring works of Western music were written. Just next door at 23 Brook Street, the top-floor flat where Jimi Hendrix lived in 1968–69 has been carefully recreated, preserving the atmosphere of one of rock’s most influential figures. Together, these adjoining buildings form a living museum that bridges the worlds of baroque opera and psychedelic rock, united by their shared London home.

Handel’s Georgian Home and Creative Sanctuary

Handel’s house at 25 Brook Street is a beautifully restored early 18th-century London townhouse, presented much as it would have looked during his 36-year residency. As the first occupant of the building, Handel shaped its character, using the main rooms for composing, rehearsing, and entertaining. The drawing room, where he famously wrote Messiah in just 24 days, is a focal point, filled with period furnishings and displays of his manuscripts, portraits, and instruments, including harpsichords and a small chamber organ. The house also includes his bedroom, dressing room, and kitchen, offering an intimate look at the daily life of a composer at the height of his powers, deeply embedded in the musical and social life of Georgian London.

Jimi Hendrix’s 1960s London Flat

The museum extends into 23 Brook Street, where Jimi Hendrix lived for a brief but formative period in the late 1960s. This flat, the only officially recognized London residence he ever called home, has been restored with the help of those who knew him, capturing the bohemian spirit of swinging London. Visitors see the main room where he lived, entertained friends, and rehearsed, alongside displays of his record collection, sound equipment, and personal memorabilia. A permanent exhibition explores his life in 1960s London, his musical influences, and his lasting impact, making this a deeply personal space that feels both intimate and iconic.

A Museum of Music, History, and Atmosphere

Handel & Hendrix in London is more than a collection of rooms; it’s an immersive experience in musical history. The museum uses original instruments, audio installations, and temporary exhibitions to bring both composers’ worlds to life. Live music, from baroque performances on period instruments to occasional guitar sessions, adds a dynamic layer to the visit. Informative panels, films, and guided elements help contextualize Handel’s role in British musical life and Hendrix’s revolutionary place in rock history, making the museum accessible and engaging for visitors with all levels of musical knowledge.

Practical Experience and Visitor Journey

The visit unfolds across four floors of 25 Brook Street and the upper floors of 23 Brook Street, connected by a historic, grade-listed staircase. The layout is designed to guide visitors through Handel’s world first, then transition into Hendrix’s 1960s flat, creating a clear narrative arc across two centuries. The museum is fully accessible, with step-free entrances and a lift serving all public floors, making it welcoming for visitors with mobility needs. A shop on site offers music, books, and souvenirs, and the compact size of the museum means it fits well into a day exploring Mayfair, whether as a focused cultural stop or a highlight of a broader London itinerary.