RIBA Architecture Library, London

Established in 1834 upon the founding of the Institute, the RIBA Library, is one of the most important architectural libraries in the world with over four million items, including: books, periodicals, drawings, archives, manuscripts, photographs and models. As well its holdings of books and journals it has extensive collections of photographs that include the work of 20th century masters such as Eric de Maré, John Maltby, John Donat and Henk Snoek.

The collections of drawings and manuscripts include many architectural drawings by leading British and international architects such as Andrea Palladio, Pugin, Ernő Goldfinger, Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Charles Holden and Sir Christopher Wren. The Library also has portraits and architectural models.

Visitors can access the Library collections at two locations: 66 Portland Place (for books, periodicals and photographs) and the Victoria and Albert Museum (for drawings and archives).

Visitors can enjoy a regular programme of exhibitions that explore historic and contemporary themes in architecture, and education programmes to engage learners of all ages.

Opening Times

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday closed
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 1.30pm
Sunday - Monday closed

The Photograph collection is closed Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.

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Ticket Prices

Disabled Facilities

Guide dogs are welcome.
Step-free access, via lifts, to all the floors in the building.
Step-free access to the main entrance on Portland Place, which is accessible to wheelchairs.
The Library and reading rooms are accessible to wheelchairs. Certain areas such as the upper galleries and rolling stacks are not accessible to wheelchairs, but librarians are at hand to help and will be happy to fetch any requested material.

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More Information

Telephone: 020 7631 0467
Email: drawings&archives@riba.org

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