British Library Gratis

The British Library is the UK's national library. It's home to over 170 million collection items covering every age of written civilisation, from Magna Carta, to Jane Austen's notebooks, to lyrics handwritten by the Beatles. The Library is currently closed, but we're always open online with digital events, collections and exhibitions that you can explore wherever you are.

Every year the British Library hosts a range of free and ticketed exhibitions. All year round, you can visit the Treasures Gallery - 'the holy grail for history buffs' (Time Out). Discover iconic items such as Leonardo da Vinci's manuscripts and letters by Ada Lovelace. Or visit the Sound Gallery, a free immersive experience where you can listen to some of the 7 million sounds in the Library's collection, handpicked by curators. In 2020, explore feminist activism and be inspired by the women who paved the way at Unfinished Business: The Fight for Women's Rights. Or discover rarely-seen treasures that explore the relationships between Jews and their neighbours as far back as the 10th century, at Hebrew Manuscripts: Journeys of the Written Word.

The Library also hosts a lively, ever-changing programme of talks, courses, Lates and family events inspired by both its exhibitions and diverse collection. Top off your visit by stopping for a bite to eat in one of the cafes or the restaurant. And pick up the perfect keepsake at the Shop, stocked with gifts for the curious and literary minded.