Planning a visit
The main entrance to the Museum, c1932. ©Natural History Museum
Prior to visiting the Archives in person, it is advisable to contact the Archives with as much detail as possible about your enquiry. We will use a range of manual and automated finding aids to establish whether there is relevant material in the collection, and then contact you to arrange a visit if appropriate.
There are several finding aids relating to the archives and manuscripts held at The Natural History Museum, both printed and online, which can be searched prior to a visit. These include our online catalogue, and the printed ‘Guide to the Official Archives of The Natural History Museum, London’ by John Thackray.
If you are interested in more general information about the history of the Museum and its architecture, there are publications that are worth consulting before contacting the Archives. We have compiled a general bibliography and a more specific architectural bibliography for reference.
Material is made available for readers in the General Library Reading Room. Opening hours are 10.00 to 16.30, Monday to Friday, by appointment with the Archives.
A reader’s ticket will be issued on your first visit, on production of proof of identity such as a passport or driving licence. This ticket provides access to all the Libraries of the Museum, and is valid for two years.
Photocopies can sometimes be provided, at the discretion of the archivists and subject to copyright restrictions. Details of our reprographics service and a form to order copies are available.