Our reading rooms are now open to pre-booked visitors.
Reading rooms
Tuesday: 10:00–14:50
Wednesday: 10:00–14:50
Thursday: 10:00–14:50
Friday: 10:00–14:50
Saturday: 10:00–14:50
Doors open at 09:30 (Tuesday to Saturday).
Closed on Sunday and Monday.
Our shop is open Tuesday to Saturday, between 12:00 and 15:00, for pre-booked visitors only. Our reference library, exhibition spaces and cafes are currently closed.
Closure dates
We are usually closed for bank holiday weekends (including the Saturday), and for Christmas and New Year. All dates listed below are inclusive.
- May bank holiday: Saturday 1 May to Monday 3 May
- Spring bank holiday: Saturday 29 May to Monday 31 May
- Summer bank holiday: Saturday 28 August to Monday 30 August
- Christmas (2021): Friday 24 December to Tuesday 28 December (closing at 17:00 on Thursday 23 December)
- New Year’s Day (2022): Saturday 1 January to Monday 3 January