Tate Britain

Library & Archive Reading Rooms

Access our huge collection of library and archive items in this free-to-use study space

We are currently closed until further notice

Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG

The Hyman Kreitman Reading Rooms at Tate Britain © Tate Photography (Oliver Cowling)

Visit the Hyman Kreitman Reading Rooms to see items from Tate's Library, Archive or Public Records collections

All are welcome to use the Reading Rooms and admission is free. First time visitors are required to register.

Please read the admission information prior to your visit, and bring along any necessary documents on the day you come in.

Library

Tate Library is a centre of excellence for art historical research, covering British art since 1500 and international art since 1900. As well as a wide selection of books, printed journals and electronic resources about art and artists, the library has a pre-eminent collection of exhibition catalogues dating from the late 19th century to recent contemporary shows. Tate Library also has a collection of 6500 artists’ books which date from the 1960s to the present day.

Library catalogue

Public Records

Tate's Public Records document the full range of Tate’s activities throughout its history, including exhibitions, acquisitions, development and expansion across its current sites. Records also include Board of Trustees’ minutes, posters and photographs. They capture fascinating chapters in Tate's history, such as the 1928 flood and the gallery during wartime.

Archive and Public Records catalogue

More information

Download our Library and Archive Mission Vision and Purpose [PDF, 117 KB]

Admission information

Planning Your Visit

Please be aware that first-time visitors who would like to consult Archive, Library and Public Records will need to register on arrival.

Visitors who wish to access items from the Archive, Library Special Collections and Public Records collections are asked to make an advanced appointment.

Library, Archive and Public Records items can be requested ahead of your visit.

Please contact us to check that the items you wish to see will be available. Please do not make special travel arrangements until your appointment has been confirmed.

Email: reading.rooms@tate.org.uk

For security reasons, all visitors are required to leave coats, jackets, bags (including laptop bags) and handbags in the cloakroom. Bags larger than cabin bag size (55cm x 40cm x 20cm) are not permitted into Tate Britain.

How To Register

Registration gives access to all collections. Membership is for one-year and is renewable. As well as a completed registration form you will need to present two different types of identification (see the registration form for more details).

Registration Form

Download the registration form [173KB]

Groups

Groups of up to 12 can be accommodated with prior notice. We advise that you check in advance that the collections you wish to see are available. Please do not make special travel arrangements until your appointment has been confirmed.

Desk Space

Visitors who want to Reading Rooms solely as a study space do not need to register, and will instead be provided with ‘Study Reader’ card. Study Readers must still follow to the Reading Rooms rules.

Access

The Reading Rooms are accessible by wheelchair. If you have any specific access requirements, please contact us ahead of your visit.

Location

Lower ground floor of Tate Britain, near the Manton Entrance in Atterbury Street.

Tate Britain
Millbank
London SW1P 4RG
Plan your visit

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