Events and exhibitions
Join us for transporting exhibitions, events with a host of world-class speakers, courses designed to expand your perspectives and inspiring workshops for families.
We have events online, in London, a growing programme of activities in Leeds, and nationwide through our Living Knowledge Network.
We're continuing to experience a major technology outage as a result of a cyber-attack, but our buildings remain open and our events and exhibitions are going ahead as planned.
Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music
26 April–26 August 2024. Journey through an ever-evolving and ever-expanding history of Black music in the UK with our latest major exhibition, the first of its kind anywhere in the world.
Due to planned electrical work the exhibition will close at 17.00 on Thursday 20 June and Friday 28 June, with last entry at 15.30. The exhibition will be closed all day on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June, reopening at 12.00 on Monday 1 July. Find out more.
Treasures of the British Library
Explore some of the world's most exciting, beautiful and significant books, maps and manuscripts in our permanent exhibition. Visit for free, no booking required, or dive deeper on a tour.
Please note our Magna Carta room is temporarily closed. We'll update as soon as Magna Carta is back on display.
Our Treasures Gallery will be closed from 15.00 on Friday 28 June, and will be closed on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June, reopening at 12.00 Monday 1 July. Find out more.
Liz Johnson Artur – Black Balloon Archive
Alongside the Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music exhibition, photographer Liz Johnson Artur has selected works from her Black Balloon Archive which explore representations of pleasure, intimacy, beauty and love. Free, no ticket required. Until 26 August.
Our full events programme
Tickets for our full events programme - exhibitions, cultural events, family activities, adult courses and tours - are available online.
We offer a range of events and activities for people with additional needs and disabilities including accessible tours, relaxed hours and group workshops.
Talks, readings and performances
Talks, readings and performances
Browse our captivating line-up of talks, readings and performances, both in-person at the Library and online. All events
Members get more
Our members play a vital role in supporting us so we can care for our collections, protecting them for future generations.
Member benefits include:
- free entry for you and a guest to exhibitions*
- up to half price off tickets to our events*
- exclusive access for you and a guest to the Members' Room, overlooking the King's Library
- 20% off in our restaurants, cafés and shops
*Subject to availability. Limitations and restrictions apply.