The house where George Frideric Handel lived and wrote some of his greatest works has become the first museum in London devoted to a composer.
The 18th Century building in Mayfair opened to the public on Thursday after extensive restoration.
Handel lived in the tall, narrow house in Brook Street for 36 years until his death in 1759, aged 74.
While living in the house he composed his celebrated Messiah oratorio, operas, concertos, the coronation anthems and music for the royal fireworks.
Visitors to Handel House will be able to wander through Handel's bedroom and other rooms containing paintings, prints and memorabilia associated with Handel and his friends. The museum project cost £5.3m.
Handel was born in Halle, Germany, in 1685, and there is a large museum dedicated to him on the site of his birthplace.
He settled in London in 1711, moving to Brook Street in 1723, aged 38. He remained there, unmarried until his death.
