Services and visiting us

Anyone who intends to use the Museum's collections for their research can visit the Library and Archives. Please make appointments at least 48 hours in advance of your visit.

Opening hours

South Kensington: Tuesday-Friday, 10:00-16.30 (closed bank holidays)

Tring, Hertfordshire: Monday-Thursday, 09.30-15.30 (closed bank holidays)

The Natural History Museum at Tring houses the Library’s Ornithology and Rothschild collection.

Your visit

Please make an appointment at least 48 hours in advance of your visit, and let us know the items you wish to view. Advance notice is essential as some items are held in off-site stores and require collection. 

New users must register before using the Library and Archives, and will need to provide personal identification and proof of address. There is no membership charge. The Library and Archives has public reading rooms in South Kensington and Tring, located within the Museum buildings.

Library & Archives notices

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Chalcopsitta sintillata illustration
Email the Library

Arrange a visit or request information about Library materials.

Or call us on +44 (0)20 7942 5460.