Visitors to Freemasons’ Hall during the Open House Festival 2022 were once again able to experience one of the finest Art Deco buildings in London.
It was built as a peace memorial to Freemasons who died in World War I, so it seemed fitting that visitors enjoyed an immersive World War I experience, along with live music and cocktails created exclusively for the weekend. There was also the opportunity to speak to members of special-interest Masonic Lodges focusing on classic cars, football, beer and rugby.
At the World War I camp scene, visitors met a group of reenactors portraying the first-aid nursing yeomanry and Scottish horse yeomanry, alongside displays of medical equipment and artefacts from the era. They also got the chance to learn some semaphore and listen to pipers playing rousing music that once led soldiers out of the trenches.
In addition, they discovered how modern-day Freemasons practice Freemasonry and how the building is still used for its original purpose. Members in Masonic regalia were also available to chat to the public over the two days.
For younger visitors, a children’s trail was a fun way to identify beautiful architecture throughout the building, such as the scenes depicted in the stunning stained-glass windows. They could also make and take home Bright Bricks figures of a dragon, throne and unicorn – all of which can be found among the architecture of the Hall.
During the weekend, there were tours of the magnificent Grand Temple and a short film about Freemasonry. The Order of Women Freemasons also had a stand in the vestibules where they shared their experience of female Freemasonry.
As a treat, visitors could take an exclusive peek at two Lodge rooms that are seldom seen by the general public – including the spectacular Lodge Room No. 10 (known to London Freemasons as the Egyptian Room), which serves as the meeting place for some of the capital’s largest Lodges.
The Museum of Freemasonry was also a must-see attraction for many visitors. Here, they could view one of the world’s largest collections of artefacts associated with Freemasonry, including Sir Winston Churchill’s apron and the large throne made for the future King George IV, who was Grand Master from 1790 to 1813.
Elsewhere, the public enjoyed live music at the new café and bar at Freemasons’ Hall, where Emma Stevens sang a mixture of pop, folk and country music. Two unique cocktails were created especially for the Open House Festival – The Temple, a gin-based drink with fresh citrus notes, and The Ashley & Newman, a vodka-based cocktail with the bright colour and flavour of raspberries.
After a memorable visit, anyone who wanted a souvenir of their day could choose from Masonic and Art Deco-inspired jewellery, scarves, ties and more at the shop at Freemasons’ Hall.
