What is it?
Built in 1901 as the display hall for the German company Bechstein Pianos, Wigmore Hall was seized as enemy property in WWI and sold at auction for a fraction of its value. These days, boasting perfect acoustics, art nouveau decor and an excellent basement restaurant, the 'Wiggy' is one of the world's top chamber music venues and currently hosts around 400 events a year. Programming leans on the classical and Romantic periods. Musical luminaries who have performed at the Wigmore Hall include Sergey Prokofiev, Shura Cherkassky, Paul Hindemith, Andrés Segovia, Benjamin Britten and Francis Poulenc. More unexpectedly, it even hosted a young David Bowie pre global fame.
Why go?
It’s considered one of the planet’s greatest recital halls. Come here to broaden your horizons and feel immersed in beautiful, other-worldly music from outstanding classical musicians.
Don’t miss
The Monday lunchtime recitals, broadcast live on BBC Radio 3, are excellent value, as are the Sunday morning coffee concerts.
When to visit
On days with daytime and evening performance, Wigmore Hall box office is open 10.00am – 7.30pm. On days with only an evening performance its open 11.30am – 7.30pm.
Ticket info
Tickets to most events at Wigmore Hall cost between £18 and £40.
Time Out tip
If you’re under 35, you can attend selected perfromances for just £5. All you need to do is sign up for a free Wigmore Hall account and add your date of birth.