Search our collections
Curious about the natural world? Then you're in the right place.
The Library and Archives has been developing its unparalleled collection of natural history literature, artwork and information resources since 1881.
Museum scientists and visitors can use the search engine to find specific articles and journals, or simply explore our collection pages to discover the treasures of the Library and Archives.
Forthcoming Reading Room closure dates
Christmas and New Year closure
The Library and Archives will be closed to external enquiries and appointments from Monday 24 December 2018 to Friday 4 January 2019. The public reading room will reopen for appointments from Tuesday 8 January.
Closure dates in 2019
The Library and Archives will be closed to external visitors on the following dates in 2019, as they will be conducting collections management work:
- 21 - 25 January 2019
- 25 February - 1 March 2019
- 5 March 2019
- 18 - 22 March 2019
- 22 - 26 April 2019
- 20 - 24 May 2019
Opening hours
- South Kensington: Tuesday to Thursday 10.00-16.00
- Tring: Monday to Thursday 9.30-15.30
Using our services
Find out how to search the collections, access our resources or visit one of our reading rooms.
Our collection
Browse the highlights of our incredible collection or use the search tools below to find exactly what you are looking for.
About us
Find out how the Library and Archives has evolved to support a broad range of research.
Collection highlights
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The Darwin collection
The Library holds the world’s most comprehensive collection of material published by Charles Darwin, plus artwork and illustrations from the HMS Beagle voyage
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The Museum in the First and Second World Wars
Discover documents and photographs reflecting the Museum’s activities and the experiences of its staff during the World Wars
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Women artists
The Library and Archives hold natural history illustrations and artworks of some of the most accomplished women artists spanning the last four centuries