Freemasons' Hall
Freemasons' Hall
4.5
Monday
9:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Freemasons’ Hall has been the centre of English Freemasonry for over 240 years. It is the meeting place for over 1,000 Masonic Lodges and the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England, the first Grand Lodge in the world. The building, which is Grade II* listed, dates from 1927-1933, and has a richly decorated interior. The architects were H V Ashley and F Winton Newman. When the Grand Temple is not in use there are up to five tours per day. These tours are free, and each starts in the Library and Museum. Visitors should bring photographic ID which may be required to be shown before the tour commences. Please note: Freemasons’ Hall is not open on Sundays, public holidays, the Saturday preceding a Monday public holiday, or over the Christmas / New Year period. It is also not possible to hold tours when there are major events happening, some of which are arranged at short notice. If you are making a special trip to visit Freemasons' Hall then please contact us first.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Covent Garden
Whether you're headed here to check out the multitude of shops, theaters, cafes, pubs, and restaurants, or simply to be among the multitude of people who pass through this pretty part of town, you'll love soaking up the festive and historic atmosphere in and around Covent Garden. Even if you don't have tickets to the opera or a show at one of the many famous theaters here, don't be surprised if find yourself captivated by some impromptu act of a street performer wowing the crowds in Covent Garden's Piazza. If you do have tickets, you'll be pleased to note that many of the local eateries accommodate theatergoers with prix fixe menus, early dinners, and later than usual opening hours.
How to get there
- Holborn • 4 min walk
- Covent Garden • 4 min walk
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4.5
547 reviews
Excellent
386
Very good
123
Average
29
Poor
5
Terrible
4
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Cathy T
London, UK13 contributions
Oct 2021 • Solo
I went to a concert by candlelight in the Freemasons hall. The hall was amazing and very atmospheric and the recital beautiful but the whole thing was ruined by 3 glaring bright white lights shining out from the stage. I thought they would be turned off when the performance started but they were not and the whole experience was ruined for me as they completely dominated the space.
Written 17 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Cathy, Many thanks for your review. We are sorry to hear that this ruined your enjoyment of the event. We have passed your feedback to the organisers and hope that you will come and visit us for the Belmont concerts in 2022.
Written 1 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dean S
212 contributions
Dec 2021
I’m not a Freemason, but I have always been fascinated by the craft. I took the opportunity to visit Grand Lodge to look around the museum. Unfortunately I was short of time and would love to have spent much longer there, but what I did see was fascinating. A beautiful building with bags of interest. I applaud the Freemasons for allowing the public in and demystifying the subject to some “ degree “.
You need a couple of hours to take it all in. Sadly the cafe was closed for a private function, but I was in awe of the surroundings and the brilliant way in which the museum was set out. I was made to feel welcome and loved every minute of my stay.
Fantastic.
You need a couple of hours to take it all in. Sadly the cafe was closed for a private function, but I was in awe of the surroundings and the brilliant way in which the museum was set out. I was made to feel welcome and loved every minute of my stay.
Fantastic.
Written 19 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Dean, Thank you so much for your review. We are glad you liked the building. Please come back and visit soon so that you can enjoy our cafe and bar!
Written 1 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kenneth R
Jersey, UK17 contributions
Sept 2019
Great visit to this amazing building. Took the guided tour which lasted about an hour and the tour guide was so knowledgeable and very helpful. Building is just fantastic and the contents are incredible. This really is well worth a visit
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gerard
Ireland106 contributions
Sept 2022 • Solo
As a tourist I walking past Freemasons Hall on Sunday 11 Sept . I was approached by a volunteer who explained that it was an open day with free entry to hall; thank you so much as I was totally unaware of the building’s significance and my visit was not planned.
What a wonderful experience ending with coffee in the beautiful cafe.
The courteous staff and volunteers are to be commended. So glad to discover this beautiful building.
What a wonderful experience ending with coffee in the beautiful cafe.
The courteous staff and volunteers are to be commended. So glad to discover this beautiful building.
Written 11 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Freemasons' Hall really appreciates such wonderful reviews and enjoys taking part in Open House London. We are pleased to hear that you had such a good experience with our Freemason volunteers and staff, who love putting on the event!
Written 19 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vierdank
Stockholm, Sweden6,589 contributions
Sept 2022
Just happened to pass on Sept 11th to discover that the hall was - generally - open to the public for a period of time.
What a treat!
This is indeed an astonishing building and to be able to enjoy it as a non-Freemason was really great.
Many kind and helpful people in the building helped giving a broad picture of both the site and what the Freemasons actually do...
The museum part should be accessible even if the rest of the building is closed for the public.
Check with the office of the organisation.
What a treat!
This is indeed an astonishing building and to be able to enjoy it as a non-Freemason was really great.
Many kind and helpful people in the building helped giving a broad picture of both the site and what the Freemasons actually do...
The museum part should be accessible even if the rest of the building is closed for the public.
Check with the office of the organisation.
Written 24 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your review above - we are glad that you liked Freemasons' Hall - it really is a stunning building. Non-masons are very welcome to visit the hall
Written 19 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robert B.
San Jose, CA45 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
I visited the Freemason’s Hall Museum in October 2022 to view the museum, and thought it was interesting enough that I brought my wife in October 2023. I really appreciated the chance to learn more about what Freemasonry is, the organization’s origins, and how it was involved in British and colonial history. More importantly, it got me thinking a lot about how fraternal organizations get started, and how such groups change over time. I had no knowledge of Freemasonry or other fraternal orders and I’m not sure I’d ever be a likely member, but I still found the museum compelling and interesting. I also came out with a much more positive and fact-based knowledge about the group.
As visitors, we had access to two rooms with lots of artifacts and exhibits, very good audio/video players (that also gave some commentary from individual Masons about why they like Freemasonry), a typical lodge arrangement, the organization's library, and the beautiful art deco main auditorium. The exhibits gave a good overview of the history of Freemasonry from informal groups meeting at all sorts of pubs across London through standardization, expansion out into the British colonies, and modern Freemasonry. There was also a fair amount on the ritual and artifacts of Freemasonry.
The museum was pretty quiet both times we visited. It was a nice break after visiting packed places like the British Museum. The member’s cafe downstairs was very much a space for the members, and felt a little like invading the cafeteria for an office or a university faculty club, but the staff and members were friendly even though we obviously were visitors.
As visitors, we had access to two rooms with lots of artifacts and exhibits, very good audio/video players (that also gave some commentary from individual Masons about why they like Freemasonry), a typical lodge arrangement, the organization's library, and the beautiful art deco main auditorium. The exhibits gave a good overview of the history of Freemasonry from informal groups meeting at all sorts of pubs across London through standardization, expansion out into the British colonies, and modern Freemasonry. There was also a fair amount on the ritual and artifacts of Freemasonry.
The museum was pretty quiet both times we visited. It was a nice break after visiting packed places like the British Museum. The member’s cafe downstairs was very much a space for the members, and felt a little like invading the cafeteria for an office or a university faculty club, but the staff and members were friendly even though we obviously were visitors.
Written 2 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy Jiang
Greater London, UK2,627 contributions
July 2022
Came for a candlelight concert by Gunel Mirzayeva and was not disappointed by the atmosphere of the building. Looked very grand and structured on the outside, but was delighted to see wonderful architecture inside through the half moon marble staircase and incredible glass designs in the performance hall! Beautiful artwork and illustrations makes it incredible. Took a brief look around and was cool to explore such a rich part of British history that is still going on today!
Written 1 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheTates
49 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
I did the audio tour and spent a beautiful few hours here reading about the history of Freemasonry and of this amazing building. The building was quiet and allowed reflection on those who had died in WWI. The site has been connected to freemasonry for some 250 years and much of this incredible history can be seen in the museum. The Grand Temple was extraordinary with the mosaic cornice glowing in precision and colour and surpassed the ornate stained glass windows. Finished the afternoon off with drink in the bar again beautiful display of trades and skills in the detailed roof. I found the staff and volunteers helpful and would love to go back and visit
Written 26 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LarryEeles
Royston, UK127 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
Popped along for a meeting. This was my first time visiting and the grandeur of the place is second to none. Food and drink were very reasonable priced and museum was a must. Open to the public for viewings and tours, will be coming back with the wife in the future.
Written 17 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Freemasons' Hall is one of the most beautiful art deco style buildings in London and we are glad you enjoyed your visit with us. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Written 19 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KH
London, UK652 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
The title is a bit of a provocation, but I think many people have this kind of image. In reality, it was very open and had a welcoming atmosphere. The museum inside is free, and the Grand Temple, which is like a large auditorium, is impressive.
Written 10 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, is it mandatory to have a guided tour? and how much time will this visit take?
Written 26 November 2019
Vi sono visite guidate molto interessanti per la competenza della guida - te lo dice un massone - e per le cose da vedere. Gli orari vanno dalle 9 alle 17
Written 26 November 2019
Boa tarde,
É necessário agendar a visita?
Quanto custa a visita?
Aguardo.
Obrigado.
Written 24 September 2019
William E
Liverpool, New York
523 contributions
Are there private tours for visiting Brothers?
Written 1 March 2019
I would suggest you contact...
Freemasons Hall
Masonic Hall
London
020 7831 9811
Closed ⋅ Opens 10 AM
I'm sure they'll be more than willing to answer all your queries...
"Whatever your visit, I am sure you'll enjoy." Freemason's Hall:
Written 1 March 2019
midox14med
Rabat, Morocco
Je veux rejoindre ton frère et voir la lumière
I want to know how to join Freemasonry
Written 22 April 2018
Hi, I would suggest you locate your nearest Freemasons lodge in MOROCCO, call in or phone them. Then ask them if you can join them as a member. Hope this helps.
Written 22 April 2018
I don't know much about the Freemasons other than what was exhibited at the museum but the place to start is probably to search on the internet for the lodge closest to where you live so try the website of the United Grand Lodge of England assuming you are based in England of course.
Written 31 December 2017
angelaed65
Watford, United Kingdom
I am a blue badge holder and would need to go there by car, Please can anyone tell me about the parking?
Written 4 October 2016
I am afraid that I cannot be as detailed as the other two responders; but I can confirm that the Hall and the Museum are well worth a visit. Lodge meetings are, of course, closed to non-Masons but there is far more in the public domain than you might expect. I would ring the Hall, explain your parking problem and I am absolutely certain that they will do their best to help you
Written 8 October 2016
Not usually, but it would be better for you to either check on line that there isn't an event going on at the time and date you were thinking of going or give them a ring to check.
Their Web site is very informative. It's well worth a visit.
Written 7 May 2016
Hello, I'm thinking of booking this place.
Are there a/c in 2bed unit? Also I'd like to know if resort provides some shuttle bus to the beach and if I can book any excursion through the resort.
Thank you very much!
Written 24 December 2014
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