A Grand Chorus: The Power of Music - Foundling Museum
Explore the life-affirming power of music through the lens of Handel’s iconic ‘Hallelujah Chorus’.
Looking at the exhilarating experience and enduring impact of the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ in the past and present,
A Grand Chorus
explores, across all four floors of the Museum, the profound effect that music can have on both listeners and performers, encouraging visitors to think about their own physical and emotional connections with music, either through encounters with the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ or reflecting on music that has transformed and enriched their own lives.
A Grand Chorus
brings together musical scores, librettos, and musical instruments as well as paintings, photographs, audio, video, personal testimony, and other archival material spanning three centuries. The exhibition takes a fresh look at the origins and enduring popularity of the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’, as well as reflecting on the impact of music on the lives of former Foundlings and care-experienced individuals. Originally composed as part of his famous
Messiah
oratorio, Handel later incorporated the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ into an anthem he created specially for the Foundling Hospital that premiered in 1749 to help raise money for the charitable institution.
The exhibition also showcases a major sound and video installation by Mikhail Karikis,
We Are Together Because…
(2025),
the first time the work has been presented in the UK.
Featuring a powerful anthem for a new generation, Karikis’s work can be imagined as a contemporary counterpart to the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’.
Please note that the video installation features varying sound levels and is loud at points. If you have any concerns do speak to a member of staff for more information.
This exhibition is supported by the Director’s Circle.
Image above: Mikhail Karikis,
We Are Together Because
…, 2025. Commissioned by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, the work is part of the CAM Gulbenkian Collection
This exhibition is not only engaging and interesting in its own right, but also marks the beginning of a new three-year programme focusing on music and care, which will investigate the impact music has on us as individuals and as a society.
Church Times
Watch our exhibition trailer and hear from the Museum Director, Emma Ridgway and artist, Mikhail Karikis (exhibition extended to 31 May 2026).
How to get here
To find out how to get here, including where to eat and drink,
view our visitor information page here
To find out more about access at the Foundling Museum, including how to book a wheelchair,
visit our Accessibility page here
Tickets
Enjoy free entry for a year with your ticket.
Adult
£14.50 (£13.50 online)
Student (22+)
£13 (£12 online)
Reduced-price ticket
£13 (£12 online)
21 & under
Free
Member
Free
Care-experienced individual
Free
Save £1 by booking in advance online.
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A Grand Chorus: The Power of Music
2 Oct 2025 – 31 May 2026
Explore the life-affirming power of music through the lens of Handel’s iconic ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ in our current exhibition.
The Foundling Hospital Boys' Band
6 Jan – 31 May 2026
Discover the story of the success of the Foundling Hospital Boys' Band.
Handel's Heroines: Lucy Crowe OBE, Bridget Cunningham & London Early Opera
23 Apr 2026
Internationally acclaimed soprano Lucy Crowe OBE joins conductor and harpsichordist Bridget Cunningham for a spellbinding evening of opera.
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Exhibitions & Displays
A Grand Chorus: The Power of Music
2 Oct 2025 – 31 May 2026
Exhibitions & Displays
The Foundling Hospital Boys’ Band
6 Jan – 31 May 2026
Book your tickets
Adult ticket £14.50 (£13.50 online), reduced price and free tickets available.
Book tickets
Enjoy free entry for
year with your ticket
Save £1 by booking online.
Please note: some events require separate tickets. Check the event page for details.