Händel haus halle

Das Händel-Haus wird im Rahmen von zwei Rundgängen erschlossen: die preisgekrönte Ausstellung „Händel der Europäer“ zeigt den beeindruckenden Werdegang Georg Friedrich Händels anhand einzigartiger Artefakte, untermalt mit musikalischen Beispielen.

The desire of the ever and anon changing proprietors to always be à la mode resulted in numerous edificial alterations.

Today the visitor can only guess how the façade and inside must have looked like during and shortly after the utilisation by the Handel Family. Later on, the installation of shops into the house lead to severe disturbances of it’s appearance.  The perron and the wide doorway had to disappear.

The three main collections and areas of research are a clear indication of what this museum is all about: the life and work of Georg Friedrich Handel, the history of music in the region and a historical collection of musical instruments. You can even hear what some of the instruments in the musical instrument exhibition sound like. Book tickets and accommodations early.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the Händel-Haus visiting hours?
A: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:00 (April–October), 10:00–17:00 (November–March); closed Mondays except public holidays and festivals.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Tickets are available online, at the museum, and at authorized ticket offices (ticket info).

Q: Is the museum accessible by wheelchair?
A: Yes, main areas and restrooms are accessible.

1.5 km).

Museum Features and Services

Layout and Permanent Exhibitions

• “Händel – The European”: Award-winning multimedia exhibition chronicling Handel’s life, music, and European influence. Advance booking recommended, especially for groups or English-language tours.
• Educational Programs: Interactive workshops for school groups and families.
• Accessibility: Main exhibition areas and restrooms are wheelchair accessible.

  A café and the Romanesque rests of a vault basement can perfectly be used for discussions, conversation and colloquies within a small circle of people. The award-winning permanent exhibition “Handel – The European” was introduced in 2009, using multimedia to trace Handel’s journey and influence (halle-dreht-sich.de).

  Collections and Exhibitions

  The museum’s collections are among the most significant in Central Europe:

  • Handel’s Life and Work: Original manuscripts, portraits, and personal items illustrating Handel’s biography and milestones.
  • Historical Musical Instruments: Approximately 750 pieces, including a rare 1599 Ruckers harpsichord and the 1770 Mauer Church organ.
  • Halle’s Musical Heritage: Documents and artifacts contextualizing local music history.
  • Multimedia and Interactive Displays: Miniature Baroque theatre, audio guides, and sound studios for hands-on exploration (radiomuseum.org).

  Händel-Festspiele and Cultural Impact

  Since 1952, the Händel-Haus has been the epicenter of the annual Händel-Festspiele, a leading Baroque music festival featuring over 70 performances each June.

  The Händel-Haus is also the nucleus of the annual Händel-Festspiele, drawing global audiences for authentic period performances. The Händel family resided here until 1783, and young Handel lived in the house until 1703, when he left for Hamburg to further his musical career (halle.de).

  Museum Transformation and Modernization

  After being acquired by the City of Halle in 1937, the house was officially opened as a museum in 1948—delayed in part by World War II.

  In 1985, on the 300th anniversary of Handel’s birth, the museum was expanded by incorporating neighboring historic buildings. Some upper floors in the historic building have limited access. Unfortunately, this project could only be realised after the World War.

  On the occasion of the Handel jubilee in 1985 the Handel House was extended for the first time.

  

  With its accessible services, digital enhancements, and proximity to other city landmarks, the museum invites you to immerse yourself in the world of Handel and the vibrant spirit of Halle. Its rich exhibitions, hands-on features, and world-class festivals make it a highlight for visitors of all backgrounds. In 1937 the city of Halle acquired the house at the corner of the Große Nikolai- and Kleine Ulrichstraße to set up a museum within the premises.

  14 rooms covering 550 square metres are dedicated to the life and work of the famous Baroque composer who was born in Halle in 1685.

Handel is also brought to life in a miniature Baroque theatre, where an animated Georg Friedrich Handel takes to the stage to play eight of his 40 or so opera productions on the harpsichord. Due to the gained space, a chamber music salon was accommodated on the ground floor, which formerly had to house under the roof.

For the most current visitor details, access the official Händel-Haus website.

Table of Contents

Historical Overview

Origins and Early History

The Händel-Haus, located at Große Nikolaistraße 5, is renowned as the birthplace of George Frideric Handel (Georg Friedrich Händel), born February 23, 1685.

The festival is celebrated for its historically informed performances by the Händelfestspielorchester Halle and international artists (haendelhaus.de). im Rahmen einer kostenfreien Raumtonführung erschlossen werden: der Besucher begibt sich dabei mit Hilfe eines modernen, ausgeklügelten Lautsprechersystems auf eine Reise durch das Leben des berühmten “Vorbewohners”.

Die benachbarte Musikinstrumenten-Ausstellung führt chronologisch durch die Geschichte des Musikinstrumentenbaus – dabei können einige ausgewählte Exponate vom Besucher sogar angespielt werden.