A copy of every single publication produced in the UK and Ireland is sent to The British Library – an institute that has amassed a collection of more than 170 million items and adds some 3 million new items each year. Built in 1973 and designed to look like a ship from a certain angle, this vast cornucopia is the national library of the UK. Beyond centuries worth of books, there's millions of newspapers, maps, manuscripts, sound recordings and stamps. It’s oldest item is a roughly 3,600-year-old Egyptian stela, containing a hymn to Osiris, the god of the underworld, in hieroglyphic.
In 2026, the literary landmark is lined up to get a ‘groundbreaking’ £1bn makeover. The extension will open the library up across three sides, adding 100,000 square feet of public space, including new exhibition rooms and a learning centre. All that’s expected to be unveiled in 2032.
The public can apply for access to the reading rooms, or simply explore the permanent and temporary exhibits in the John Ritblat Gallery. Here, some of the most famous written and printed items in the world are displayed, and you might see the Lindisfarne Gospels, Shakespeare’s first Folio, Handel’s Messiah, the Gutenberg Bible, drafts of the Magna Carta and the Beatles’ manuscripts.
The British Library also hosts events, with a programme of talks by world-class speakers and courses to broaden your horizons.
Monday - Thursday 9.30am-8pm; Friday 9.30am-6pm; Saturday 9.30am-5pm; Sunday 11am-5pm
You can visit the British Library for free.
If you want to explore more of the British Library's treasures, then we'd suggest booking one of their regular tours. You'll get to see the second largest atlas in the world and Wilfred Owen's manuscripts - and all for a maximum price of £10. Check out the website for more details.
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