Sep 29, 2024
Wonderful experience with lovely, caring staff. - Absolutely wonderful experience. Stayed about three hours during which amongst other things we were treated to a string instrument recital and Old English cookers demonstration. Staff so very caring, friendly and informative.
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Sep 13, 2024
Amazing Museum linking two musical geniuses separated by 300 years! - Visited the museum twice since the refurbishment. The rooms are wonderful and the audio experience of Handel’s greatest hits was brilliant. The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. Many are volunteers who really enjoy sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm for the museum. On my last visit there was some wonderful live music in the Handel part of the museum played on replica instruments in of the era which was tremendously evocative!
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Jul 27, 2024
Wonderful museum - I was really impressed by the whole experience. The portable guide and pictures/ artifacts/ information boards/ audio/ visual recordings were interesting and informative. Everything was beautifully and clearly presented. There was so much more to see and learn than I had expected. We spent a couple of hours visiting both parts of the museum. We were delighted to watch wonderful performers playing music by or influenced by Handel and Hendrix. The friendly and welcoming guides were fantastic, explaining about the rooms and background relating to Handel and Hendrix. They related interesting facts and answered our questions. Would appeal to all age groups, particularly music enthusiasts. Well worth going and good value.
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Sep 8, 2021
Hendrix Full On! - Just being where Hendrix had lived was almost enough! With knowledgeable room guides in both the Hendrix and Handel parts of the museum the overall experience was spot on. I was delighted to see one of my own favourite records featured in Jimi's collection.
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Jul 10, 2024
Essential to visit but could be better - I start my review by stating that it is well worth visiting, and that it is a valuable and interesting museum with courteous staff.
The gift shop is excellent, and there are clean accessible toilets.
The museum guidebook is a vital purchase.
But I think the museum has a bit of a dilemma, and a lack of space to handle it (pardon the pun.)
Should it focus on being a faithful recreation of how Handel and Hendrix lived on a day to day basis, or a museum about them and their music?
My verdict is that it tips the balance to how they lived on a day to day basis.
There is not enough wider context.
Perhaps with Handel it is to his detriment.
His life was so fascinating, his social connections and position in society so special.
The museum fails to provide context - I would have liked more on how and why Handel made music for the monarchy.
What about his connections with the Duke of Chandos, and Thomas Coram?
What did his fellow composers think of him?
On the plus side, we see how he lived in a fairly spartan environment compared to stately homes.
How his home was also an office, with composition, performances and tickets sold for concerts all taking place.
The positive side of how Hendrix is presented is the excellent description of his London life.
The closeness to various clubs and clothes shops.
The late nights and jam sessions.
The punishing work schedule.
His bedroom is well presented.
The negative side is again, context.
How did Hendrix's music fit into the London scene?
Was anyone else making similar music?
How did it influence subsequent generations?
If only there was a bit more space, I would hope these questions and more could be answered.
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Nov 18, 2023
Composers & coincidence - Handal's house is 4 floors, Hendrix flat just 2 rooms, with only 1 set up as lived in. In both parts there is only 1 or 2 pieces that were actually there when the relevant people lived there. Still interesting to visit, heard a good talk from a young lady in Handal's bedroom about a piece of his music. As to cost, I suppose it's about the same as most independant museums. Luckily I have an Art Pass
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Oct 8, 2021
Way over the Watchtower - There's nothing I can really add to what's already been said. Hendrix was a legend in his own time and true innovator & pioneer of the rock/blues electric guitar, if you're into that genre. You only have to hear 2-3 notes and you know immediately it's Jimi. I'm so glad I did this little 'pilgrimage' to pay homage to 'the man'.
Although I went primarily for the 'Hendrix', the 'Handel' was also fascinating. I'm sure for some, that would have been the main reason for their visit. The staff were all helpful and well informed.
My only little niggles are that I would have likes to have heard something 'louder and prouder', maybe with a larger screen instead of a little 'telly'. The place is also not easy to find, so read the directions as the entrance is 'round the back down a little alley leading to what looks like a nice restaurant. There also wasn't much in the gift shop (although I think they're closing soon for some improvement work to be done).
ENJOY!
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Sep 30, 2021
Great museum dedicated to music at both ends of the spectrum! - Enjoyed our visit here. The bottom floors are dedicated to Handel and there are some interesting artefacts with significance to Handel - loved the pianos! Lots of paintings, examples of sheet music and good explanations. Upstairs is dedicated to Hendrix, again with lots of interesting information and artefacts - including an original guitar used by Hendrix. The bedroom is furnished as it would have been in Hendrix's residency. If you are interested in music, this place is a must.
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Sep 21, 2021
Great Museum - Worth a visit. - There aren't too many of Handel's or Hendrix's possessions to view in either of the properties, but interesting nonetheless. The staff were knowledgeable and the museum was well presented / informative. Thank you, Sybil. For those who like the works of either composer, it was good have been able to have stood in the room that the Messiah was written in or that Hendrix jammed in. However, I would suggest Handel's most notable piece, The Hallelujah Chorus is played. Or perhaps Sarabande, Dixit Dominus HWV 232, Water Music - Alla Hornpipe or The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba. And for Hendrix’s flat, Crosstown, All Along the Watchtower or the Wind Cries Mary. I would recommend a visit in when it reopens in 2023.
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Jan 28, 2024
Don’t bother - Absolutely awful, most rooms are filled with absolutely nothing but a few pictures that can be seen online anyway, the facts etc on the walls are limited and don’t provide any further information than the average fan would already know. The entire place is a replica and has no actual exhibits to look at and the only room that is replicated is Hendrix bedroom! All other rooms are empty. Takes the mick when it’s £14 per person to enter. Better off having a google or visiting a museum with actual things to look at or visiting a local abandoned house for the exact same experience.
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