British Library, London
London, UK
Visitor Information
Museum Address
96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB, United Kingdom
London, UK
Ticket Prices
Free (exhibitions vary)
Featured Artists
11 artists in database
The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom and one of the largest libraries in the world, holding over 170 million items. Located on Euston Road in London (with a second site in Boston Spa, Yorkshire), it receives a copy of every publication produced in the UK and Ireland. The building opened in 1997 after decades of planning. Its red-brick exterior stands next to St Pancras station, and the interior centers on the King's Library Tower, a six-story glass cube holding George III's 65,000-volume collection.
The Sir John Ritblat Gallery displays the library's greatest treasures for free. These include two of the four surviving copies of Magna Carta (1215), the Lindisfarne Gospels (c. 700 AD), a Gutenberg Bible, original Beatles lyrics handwritten by John Lennon, and Leonardo da Vinci's notebook. The library also holds the Diamond Sutra (868 AD), the world's oldest dated printed book. Shakespeare's First Folio, Charlotte Brontë's handwritten manuscripts, and maps dating back centuries round out the collection. It isn't a traditional art museum, but few places put you this close to documents that shaped Western history.
British Library, London in London, UK houses 18 masterpieces in our database, including works by Ancient Egyptian (Unknown), Ancient Benin (Unknown) and Ancient Aztec (Unknown) and 8 other artists. Notable works include Colossal Bust of Ramesses II and Rosetta Stone.
Famous Works at British Library, London
Browse 18 notable artworks in our database. Click any work to see details and plan your visit.
Visiting British Library, London
Two copies of Magna Carta (1215), the Renaissance-era Gutenberg Bible, and the Lindisfarne Gospels are the star exhibits. Leonardo da Vinci's notebook and Shakespeare's First Folio are also on permanent display in the Sir John Ritblat Gallery.
Yes. The permanent galleries are free, including the Sir John Ritblat Gallery with Magna Carta and other treasures. Anyone can visit the exhibition spaces without a library card. The building is on Euston Road, next to St Pancras and the British Museum nearby.
The British Library holds books, manuscripts, and printed works. The British Museum holds antiquities, sculptures, and archaeological objects. They were once part of the same institution but split in 1973. The Library moved to its current Euston Road building in 1997.
The Lindisfarne Gospels (c. 700 AD) are a highlight of early medieval illumination. You'll also find handwritten lyrics by the Beatles, Charlotte Brontë's manuscripts, and the Diamond Sutra (868 AD), the oldest dated printed book in existence.
Over 170 million items, growing by about 3 million each year. It covers books, newspapers, maps, sound recordings, patents, and stamps. The reading rooms require a free library card. Physical items span centuries, from medieval illuminated manuscripts to modern digital archives.
Other Museums in London
Can't Make It to London?
Bring luxury art into your home with gallery-worthy canvas prints.
Browse Our CollectionPlease note: Artwork locations and display status may change. Some paintings may be on loan, in restoration, or moved to different galleries within the museum. We recommend contacting British Library, London directly to confirm specific artwork availability before your visit.
Affiliate disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links to ticket providers. If you purchase tickets through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support Masterpiece Locator. See our Terms of Use for details.
