This is the first composer museum to open in London. George Frederic Handel lived in this town house until his death in 1759, and it was here that he composed "Messiah." Most of his organ concerts were written here, as well as "Israel in Egypt" and "Coronation Anthems." Handel settled in London in 1710 but didn't move to this Georgian house until 1723. The house has been restored to its original 18th-century styling, with furniture and fabrics accurate to the time Handel lived here (not the originals, though). The museum is hung with portraits and prints of Handel, his colleagues, and his patrons.
On display are two harpsichords, which are played frequently by professionals and harpsichord students when the museum is open. Precious objects include Mozart's handwritten arrangement of a Handel fugue, and furnishings such as a canopied bedroom from 1720 on loan from the Victoria and Albert Museum.
25 Brook St., W1.Phone: 020/7495-1685.Open: Tues-Sat 10am-6pm (until 8pm Thurs), Sun noon-6pm.Admission £4.50 ($7.20) adults, £3.50 ($5.60) students, £2 ($3.20) children 12 and under.Tube: Bond Street.
