Study rooms

• You can find information about more than four million items in the Museum's collection on Collection online.
• Please use this resource to identify which items you wish to view on a study room visit. 
• View the information from Collection online that you need to add to the 'Objects requested' section of your study room application form.
• View a correctly filled in 'Objects requested' section of the study room application form. 
• If you're unable to find the information on Collection online, please fill in the study room application form with as much detail as possible and a member of staff will contact you to discuss your enquiry.  

British Museum main site – Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG

While we'll do our best to keep the study rooms open, we may have to close them at very short notice due to staff illness or isolation requirements. We apologise in advance should this be necessary.

Africa, Oceania and Americas:

• Via ALRC Anthropology Library and Research Centre – by appointment. 
• Email: [email protected]

Archive and Library-only use:

• Via ALRC Anthropology Library and Research Centre – by appointment. 
• Open: Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10.00–17.00.
• Books needed to support object consultation in other study rooms can be managed as before and delivered in advance.

Asia:

• Open: Wednesdays to Fridays, 10.30–13.00 and 14.00–16.00.
• Email: [email protected]

Britain, Europe and Prehistory (Prehistoric, Roman, Medieval, Renaissance and Modern material):

• Open: Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10.00–13.00 and 14.00–16.00.
• Email: [email protected]

Egypt and Sudan:

• Open: Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10.30–13.00 and 14.00–16.00.
• Email: [email protected] 

Greece and Rome:

• Open: Wednesdays to Fridays 10.30–13.00 and 14.00–16.00.
• Email: [email protected]

Horology:

• Open Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10.00–13.00 and 14.00–16.00.
• Email: [email protected]

Japan:

• Email: [email protected]

Middle East:

• Open: Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10.30–13.00 and 14.00–16.00.
• Email: [email protected] 

Money and Medals:

• Open: Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10.30–13.00 and 14.00–16.00.
• Treasure appointments will be handled in the temporary BEP Study Room.
• Email: [email protected] 

Prints and Drawings:

• Open: Wednesdays to Fridays, 10.30–13.00 and 14.00–16.00.
• Email: [email protected]

Textiles:

• Closed for Blythe House collection move project.

Please note that Treasure bookings are made through the dedicated web pages, but they are received Tuesday and Wednesday 11.00–13.00 and 14.00–16.00. All Treasure bookings will be handled temporarily through the BEP Study Room.

Franks House, Orsman Road, London N1 5QJ

Africa, Oceania and Americas:

• Open: Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10.30–13.00 and 14.00–16.00.
• Email: [email protected]

Britain, Europe and Prehistory (Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age and Romano-British material):

• Open: Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10.30–13.00 and 14.00–16.00.
• Email: [email protected]

• Some of our study rooms are busier than others. We recommend that you contact us at least four weeks before the date you wish to visit otherwise it may be difficult to accommodate your request. 
• We strongly advise that you don't make special travel arrangements until we've confirmed the dates of your visit. 
• Please indicate if you're planning an extended period of study which may require multiple visits.
• Please note that the number of items you're able to study may be limited because of space considerations and for security purposes. 
• Any material brought in for comparison must be agreed with the Museum in advance.
• Please note that visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• If you're a deaf or disabled person and have specific access requirements or will need additional support to visit the study room, please let us know in advance so we can help you plan your visit effectively.
   

• A member of staff will contact you via email to confirm the date of your visit. 
• They'll also send you instructions on where to come when you arrive at the Museum. 
• Please note that we may need to clarify or discuss your application with you before being able to confirm your visit. 
• If you're unable to attend on the date you've agreed, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your place to another visitor, and to prevent unnecessary handling and transport of collection items. 
   

In addition to the British Museum visitor regulations, the following rules apply to the use of study rooms:  

• Eating, drinking, smoking, vaping and chewing gum are not permitted.
• Anyone believed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed access to the study rooms.
• Coats and bags must be placed in the designated areas.
• Large bags and umbrellas must be left in the public cloakrooms.
• Bags may be searched for security reasons.
• Mobile phones must be switched to silent, and telephone calls must not be made in the study rooms (except in an emergency).
• Material from the collections must be treated with utmost care and attention, and any handling instructions issued must be strictly followed. Some items may only be handled by Museum staff.
• Gloves must be worn to handle some types of material. These will be provided by the Museum.
• Only pencils and plastic/wooden implements are permitted near the collections. The use of any other media is at the discretion of supervising staff.
• Photographs may be taken in study rooms with permission of study room staff but please note that some parts of the collection may not be photographed for reasons connected with security or preservation. Light sensitive material must be photographed without flash. The use of tripods and other photographic equipment is not permitted in all study areas. In those areas where it is permitted, the express permission of the study room staff must be obtained prior to doing so and under the direct supervision of the staff member present.
• Laptops and tablets may be used, but the use of any other equipment must be agreed in advance. Electrical equipment must be unplugged when not in use.
• The making of wax or other impressions, or rubbings, is not permitted.
• Items will be counted out on delivery to the visitor, and will be counted in at the end of each session. A visitor may not leave until the supervisor is satisfied that all the objects are in good order.
• In the event of an emergency, instructions from staff must be followed.
• Violence or abuse towards any member of Museum staff will not be tolerated.
• Infringement of the regulations may result in exclusion from the study rooms.

View a pdf of the study room regulations.