About 60
60 Great Queen Street (commonly called Freemasons’ Hall) is a monumental Grade II* listed event venue in London’s Covent Garden (palife.co.uk ) (www.ugle.org.uk ). Completed in 1933 as a memorial to Freemasons who died in World War I (www.ugle.org.uk ) (palife.co.uk ), it’s an Art Deco masterpiece with sweeping marble staircases and ornate mosaic ceilings (the mosaic took years to complete) (www.southwalesmason.com ). The hall still serves as the headquarters for English Freemasonry and houses the free-to-visit Museum of Freemasonry (www.ugle.org.uk ) (www.southwalesmason.com ). Noted for its lavish bronze doors, carved columns and gilded interiors, 60 Great Queen Street is also a famous filming location – for example, the hall’s façade doubled as a London nightclub in *Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw* (www.ugle.org.uk ). This iconic venue’s scale and history make it a jewel of the West End, blending historic grandeur with versatile modern use.
Inside the building, the first-floor Freemasons Museum is open to the public (Tu–Sat) and free of charge (www.southwalesmason.com ) (www.ugle.org.uk ). It displays lodge artifacts and demonstrates the hall’s history. The venue overall draws over 200,000 visitors annually (www.ugle.org.uk ) – it has become a celebrated landmark. Londoners often call it a “hidden Art Deco gem” of Covent Garden (www.southwalesmason.com ), a ceremonial space rich with heritage but now open to everyone for select events and tours.
Events and Programming
60 Great Queen Street hosts a wide range of events. Its main hall (the Grand Temple) is especially prized for musical performances – from world-class organ recitals and choral concerts to orchestral and chamber music (www.ugle.org.uk ). (For example, the historic Willis organ often features, with artists like David Briggs appearing in 2025 (www.ugle.org.uk ).) The venue also participates in Open House London each year (opening its doors to architecture tours) (www.ugle.org.uk ) (www.ugle.org.uk ). Beyond music, 60 Great Queen Street is used for lectures, charity events (such as NHS blood drives (www.ugle.org.uk )), business conferences, weddings and gala parties. Notable past events have included themed fundraisers and press launches. Generally, ticket prices are modest compared to large West End theatres (often in the £10–20 range for recitals); popular shows may sell out, so early booking is advised.
Smaller rooms within the venue see frequent use as well. The elegant Gallery and Vestibule can host receptions or presentations, and have in-house catering if needed. The building has even hosted film-location shoots and award ceremonies thanks to its dramatic architecture. In recent years the hall has become especially known for high-quality classical and community concerts, giving audiences the experience of superb acoustics in a historic setting. For very large events, the Grand Temple is often booked alongside adjoining rooms to reach full capacity. Between concerts and dances, the venue’s calendar includes seasonal balls, corporate dinners and educational forums.
Tickets and Booking
Most public events at 60 Great Queen Street require advance tickets. Booking is usually done through official event pages or authorized ticketing partners (the Freemasons Hall website and trusted ticket agencies). Events are often announced months in advance, and tickets may sell out early. There isn’t a permanent box office open for walk-up sales, so check event listings online. For major shows it’s wise to join mailing lists or check social media for presale announcements. Some events (especially small charity concerts) might offer pay-at-door or donation entry if seats remain. Typically, prices depend on the performance: intimate recitals might cost under £15, while large galas or banquets can be more expensive or sold as packages. On busy evenings, doors usually open around 45–60 minutes before the start time, allowing time for security checks and seating.
Seating and Layout
The centerpiece of the venue is the Grand Temple – a vast rectangular hall beneath a gilded dome. According to venue specs, this hall can accommodate about 450 seated or roughly 1,215 standing, although modern layouts often use adjoining rooms so the total capacity reaches around 1,300 (www.movingvenue.com ). During seated events, chairs are arranged facing a raised dais at one end (where a stage or organ console can be set up). Because the space is mostly flat, centre-front positions give the clearest view of the stage, but sightlines are generally good from most areas. Smaller adjacent spaces (like the Gallery, Long Room and Vestibules) are used for reception, breakout or extra dining space. The hall’s high ceilings and hard surfaces give lively acoustics – voices and instruments carry well, so even standing listeners can easily hear performances.
Getting There and Parking
Address: 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ (www.ugle.org.uk ) (in Covent Garden, near Kingsway).Tube: Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) and Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines) stations are each a short (5–10 minute) walk (www.ugle.org.uk ). Tottenham Court Road station (Central/Elizabeth/Piccadilly) is also nearby, providing an additional access point.Buses: Several London bus routes stop close by on Drury Lane/Great Queen Street – for example, routes 1, 14, 59, 172 and 243 run in the area (moovitapp.com ). After midnight, night buses such as the N9, N15, N26, N87 serve Covent Garden.Car: There is no on-site parking at 60 Great Queen Street. Nearby pay-and-display car parks include the Covent Garden multi-storey (330 spaces, ~£14 for 2 hours (en.parkopedia.co.uk )) and Bloomsbury Square (450 spaces, ~£13.90/2h (en.parkopedia.co.uk )). On-street parking is metered/PayByPhone (zone controlled by Camden), and spaces fill up quickly. Blue Badge holders may use designated bays or single-yellow bays where permitted under local rules.Drop-off/Rideshare: A short-term loading/drop-off zone is in front of the hall on Great Queen Street. Taxis and ride-share services can access this area, but be aware that traffic is often busy. It’s best to allow extra travel time during rush hour or during major Covent Garden events (the surrounding streets can get congested).
Inside the Venue
Upon arrival you’ll pass an entry foyer and friendly security team. The foyer area itself is spacious with high ceilings and the famous bronze front doors. Inside the Grand Temple, the atmosphere feels formal and awe-inspiring; the vaulted gold-and-mosaic dome above creates a resounding echo. For visitors’ convenience there is a café in the reception for coffee and light snacks (especially open during tours) and a cloakroom on the first floor where you can store coats and bags in refundable £1 lockers (museumfreemasonry.org.uk ). Restroom facilities include unisex toilets with baby-changing and a wheelchair-accessible toilet (museumfreemasonry.org.uk ). On the first floor, the award-winning Freemasons’ Hall shop sells souvenirs and Masonic gift items (museumfreemasonry.org.uk ). (Note: while the shop and toilets are accessible during open tours, availability may vary during private events.) The venue has a lift to the first floor for those who need it (museumfreemasonry.org.uk ). Staff members and event stewards are usually on hand to direct guests to seating and amenities. Overall the space feels quiet and dignified – plan to turn off phone ringtones and use cameras discreetly during any performance.
Nearby Amenities
Restaurants: You’re in the heart of Covent Garden, so there’s no shortage of dining options nearby. On Great Queen Street and the surrounding lanes you’ll find pubs, cafes and international restaurants (Italian trattorias, sushi bars, Indian curries, gastropubs, etc.). A famous old pub, the Lamb & Flag, is just a block away on Rose Street. Within a 10-minute walk are dozens more spots: theatres and hotel restaurants on Shaftesbury Avenue, cocktail joints around Leicester Square, and the cafes and market stalls of Covent Garden Piazza.Pre-show dining: The Strand and Long Acre (to the south) offer quick bites and chain eateries if you want to eat just before an event. In Covent Garden itself you also have sandwich shops, pizza places and supper clubs. Tip: reservations are recommended on event nights, or arrive early (90+ minutes before a show) to avoid crowds.Bars & coffee: The local area has a variety of bars and pubs. For a drink before or after a show, try the London Boulevard on Chamberlain House or one of the hotel bars (e.g. at the Strand Palace). There are also sit-down coffee shops (and branches of Costa, Pret and Starbucks) within a few minutes’ walk if you just need a quick latte before the event.Hotels: Covent Garden and the surrounding Holborn/Charing Cross area contain dozens of hotels. Nearby examples include the Strand Palace Hotel, Premier Inn Covent Garden, The Nadler Covent Garden and the upscale Covent Garden Hotel. Walking distance downtown hotels are also plentiful, from budget chains on High Holborn to boutique inns on Drury Lane.Arrival time: We recommend arriving at least 30–45 minutes before the performance start. This gives you time to pass any checks, find your seats calmly and use the restroom. Covent Garden can be very busy, so factor in extra walking time on event evenings. After a show, note that Tube service on the Piccadilly line runs until about midnight (the Piccadilly leg also serves Theatreland). If needed, night buses (N1, N15, N29, etc.) or 24-hour taxis are available near the venue area after the Tube has closed.
What Makes This Venue Special
Every visit to 60 Great Queen Street feels unique because of its extraordinary design and history. The Grand Temple’s centerpiece mosaic (depicting the Masonic virtues) and gold ceiling are the largest of their kind; every detail was handcrafted, from sculpted stairways to hand-painted emblems (www.southwalesmason.com ). Remarkably, many original 1930s features are still intact – even the lifts and toilets are preserved to their period look (www.60greatqueenst.co.uk ). Events here have the character of a grand ceremonial hall. The building also has deep cultural roots: past Freemasons include architect Sir Christopher Wren and Prime Minister Winston Churchill (palife.co.uk ), and the hall was built entirely by Freemasons’ contributions. In short, artists and audiences love performing here because it’s as much theatre for the eyes as for the ears – the room itself feels like part of the performance. Locals and visitors alike cherish the venue’s ‘wow’ factor: it’s a working secular cathedral of Art Deco design, melding historic gravitas with a vibrant event vibe.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair-friendly. A lift provides access to the first floor and the Museum (museumfreemasonry.org.uk ), and there is a fully senior-friendly toilet (museumfreemasonry.org.uk ). Staff members can assist anyone who needs help navigating the halls or galleries.What to bring: You may bring a small bag or coat. Larger backpacks may need to be checked (or left in the paid cloakroom lockers for the event) (museumfreemasonry.org.uk ). Plan to wear comfortable shoes since the floors are marble. If attending an evening event that serves alcohol, bring ID for anyone over 18. It’s also wise to bring an umbrella or coat (the VIP entrance on Great Queen Street is just a few steps from the curb).Things not to bring: Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited. Outside food and drink generally aren’t allowed (besides bottled water). Cameras and phones are allowed, but no flash photography or video recording during performances please – it’s considered disruptive.Dress code: The dress code is smart-casual. There’s no uniform or strict dress requirement for most events. However, avoid very casual attire (like gym wear) for formal concerts or dinners. Many audience members wear occasion-appropriate attire (collared shirts, blouses, dresses). If you have questions, you can call ahead to ask – staff tend to be reasonable about sensible attire.Photography & phones: Feel free to take a quick snapshot of the historic interior during opening hours or intermission. During shows, phones should be on silent and cameras without flash. Many visitors mention that staff kindly remind people to be discreet with photos and calls during concerts.Common mistakes: Don’t assume an on-site box office; purchase tickets before arriving. Don’t arrive at the last minute – long queues can form for security and entrance, especially if multiple shows let out at once. If you plan to use the cloakroom, remember it requires a £1 refund coin (museumfreemasonry.org.uk ). Finally, bear in mind this is a memorial venue, so a respectful, quiet demeanor is appreciated by performers and other guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the seating capacity of 60 Great Queen Street (Freemasons’ Hall)?
The main hall (Grand Temple) can seat about 450 people or hold around 1,200–1,300 standing (www.movingvenue.com ). With the adjoining rooms in use, the venue can accommodate roughly 1,300 guests in total. Exact capacity depends on the event setup.
Where can I buy tickets for events at 60 Great Queen Street?
Tickets are generally sold online through the official Freemasons’ Hall events page or authorized ticketing agents. There is no permanent box office open to the public, so it’s best to book online in advance. For very small public events you may be able to purchase remaining tickets at the door, but popular shows often sell out early.
What types of events are held at 60 Great Queen Street?
A variety of events take place here. Public programs include organ recitals, chamber music, orchestral and choral concerts (www.ugle.org.uk ). The hall is also used for private events like conferences, gala dinners and weddings, as well as special community functions (lecture series, charity fundraisers, art exhibitions, etc.). Every autumn it joins Open House London as a featured architectural tour location (www.ugle.org.uk ) (www.ugle.org.uk ).
Is there an on-site café or bar inside the venue?
Yes. The foyer hosts a small café area for coffee, tea and light snacks (especially during public tours). For evening events with tickets, there is usually a staffed bar or drink station. However, there are no full sit-down restaurants inside the building. Outside the hall (in Covent Garden/Drury Lane) there are numerous pubs and restaurants nearby.
Are children allowed at events in Freemasons’ Hall?
It depends on the event. Daytime tours and museum visits are family-friendly. Most concerts and performances have minimum age limits (often around 5+ or 8+) especially if they include lights and loud sounds. If alcohol is served (for example at a late-night event), then generally all attendees must be 18+. When in doubt, check the event details before arriving.
What is the dress code for attending an event? Do I need formal attire?
Most events are smart-casual. You do not usually need to wear a jacket or tie unless it’s a specifically advertised black-tie gala. Attendees commonly wear nice trousers and a shirt or blouse. Avoid very casual attire like sportswear or overly ripped jeans. If you have any doubt, you can call the box office or see if the event listing mentions a dress code.
Is photography allowed inside 60 Great Queen Street?
During general visits (like museum tours or Open House), personal photography is permitted. During ticketed events, photography is usually not allowed or should be done without flash (check with the event rules). It’s best to keep cameras on silent and refrain from using flash or video recording during performances, to avoid disturbing others (www.ugle.org.uk ).
Is the building accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the building is wheelchair-accessible. There is a lift to the first floor (museumfreemasonry.org.uk ), where the cloakroom and accessible restroom are located. An accessible unisex toilet is available (museumfreemasonry.org.uk ). Staff will help direct wheelchair users or offer assistance as needed.
Are there cloakrooms or lockers at the venue?
Yes. A staffed cloakroom is available on the first floor. It has lockable storage lockers (requires a £1 coin deposit, which is refunded on exit) (museumfreemasonry.org.uk ). This is useful for coats or larger bags during events or tours.
Does 60 Great Queen Street ever open for public tours?
The building can be visited by the public mainly during special occasions. Notably, it opens to everyone during the annual Open House London weekend (typically mid-September) (www.ugle.org.uk ). The Museum of Freemasonry inside is also open Wed-Sat to visitors (free admission) (www.ugle.org.uk ). Other days are usually reserved for private events or Freemasons’ activities, so plan accordingly.
Is food or drink available inside the venue?
There is a café in the foyer offering coffee and snacks (especially during tours and between events). For evening performances or private functions, a licensed bar is usually provided. Outside food and drink are not permitted inside. For meals, you’ll need to use nearby restaurants or arrive early to eat beforehand.
How much do tickets typically cost for events at this venue?
Ticket prices vary by the type of event. For example, organ recitals and small concerts in the Grand Temple often range from about £10 to £20. Large gala dinners or special shows may cost more. Charitable or community events may offer flexible pricing. Always check the event listing for exact pricing; smaller lectures or meetups might even be free, whereas full-scale productions will charge accordingly.
Can I bring a backpack or large bag into the hall?
Small bags or personal items are usually fine. Very large backpacks may be searched or asked to be checked into the cloakroom. As a courtesy, avoid bringing bulky luggage into the event area. If you do have a large bag, use the cloakroom lockers with the £1 refund deposit (museumfreemasonry.org.uk ).
What are the nearest stations and how do I get there by public transport?
The hall’s address is 60 Great Queen Street, WC2B 5AZ (www.ugle.org.uk ). The closest tube stations are Holborn and Covent Garden (www.ugle.org.uk ) – both are about a 5–10 minute walk. Multiple bus routes stop on nearby Drury Lane/Great Queen Street (e.g. routes 1, 14, 59, 172, 243 (moovitapp.com )). Rideshares and taxis can drop off on Great Queen Street in front of the building. There are also cycle racks outside if you prefer biking.
Where can I park if I drive to 60 Great Queen Street?
There is no dedicated parking on site. Nearby public car parks include the Covent Garden multi-storey and Bloomsbury Square, where a 2-hour stay typically costs around £12–14 (en.parkopedia.co.uk ). On-street parking in this area is metered (PayByPhone) and often restricted for loading or residents. Blue Badge holders should check Camden Council rules; some on-street bays may be available.
Is there a coat check or lockers inside the venue?
Yes. A public cloakroom is available on the first floor. It has coin-operated lockers (a £1 coin is required but is refunded after use) (museumfreemasonry.org.uk ). This is a convenient place to store coats, bags or any items not needed during the event.
