The rooftop where the Beatles played a concert to a curious cast of freaked-out Londoners in 1969 will open as part of a museum next year.
As reported in the New York Times, the sacred space at 3 Savile Row—a townhouse on a street even more famous for its sophisticated tailors—will be transformed by the Beatles’ company Apple Corps into a seven-floor display of archival materials and exhibitions as well as a recreation of the studio where the band recorded its album Let It Be. Access to the roof will be granted to visitors, to peer out from the place where the Beatles played a surprise show to an unwitting audience of Swinging London citizenry until police pulled the plug.
Holly Tessler, an expert in Beatles tourism at the University of Liverpool, told the Times that fans regularly congregate outside the building on the street. But “very few people have been inside,” she said, adding: “I’d love to see it.”
A press release on the Fab Four’s website, which dates the opening only to “2027,” reads: “Since its inception in 1968 Apple Corps Ltd. has overseen The Beatles’ creative and business interests and today’s announcement completes a full circle moment as it returns to its most famous early headquarters.”
Paul McCartney said, “It was such a trip to get back to 3 Savile Row recently and have a look around. There are so many special memories within the walls, not to mention the rooftop. The team have put together some really impressive plans and I’m excited for people to see it when it’s ready.”
Ringo Starr added: “Wow, it’s like coming home.”
