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Tate Britain

Library and Archive Reading Rooms

Explore our library, archive and public records items in this free to use study space

Opening times

Monday to Thursday 11.00–17.00

Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG
A library space with people sitting and studying at large desks
  • Library
  • Archive and Public Records
  • Your visit
  • Scan and send service
  • Accessibility
  • Mission and Vision and Access Policy
  • Events and Displays
  • Find out more

Library

Our Library is a centre of excellence for art historical research, its holdings include half a million publications on British art since 1500, and international art since 1900:

  • Books, journals, ephemera, and electronic resources about art and artists
  • Exhibition catalogues from the late 19th century to recent contemporary shows
  • Artists’ books, photobooks, and zines from the 1960s to the present day
Search our Library catalogue

Archive and Public Records

Our Archive collections contain over a million items related to artists, art world figures and art organisations in Britain:

  • Artists’ personal papers, letters, writings, sketchbooks, and maquettes
  • Recordings and photographs of artists, their studios, and installation shots
  • Artist-designed posters

Public Records document the full range of Tate's activities, with thousands of records from 1897 onwards, including:

  • Records of exhibitions from 1911 and Board of Trustees’ minutes
  • Key events from Tate’s history including the 1928 flood and the impact of World War II
  • Tate’s expansion to Liverpool, St Ives, and Bankside – Tate Modern
Search our Archive and Public Records catalogue

First time visitors must register for a free Reader account, and all visitors must book an appointment and can request items in advance by emailing reading.rooms@tate.org.uk.

All bags and coats must be left in Tate’s free cloakroom before visiting the Reading Rooms.

Group visits

Group visits to our Reading Rooms are possible when arranged in advance. Requests need to be made at least 1 month before your visit to ensure we can support your group.

For more information or to arrange a group visit, email: reading.rooms@tate.org.uk

We offer a scan and send service for small quantities of information from our Library, Archive and Public Records collections. This service is free and available for those undertaking non-commercial research and private study only, within copyright law limits. Express permission from copyright holders is required for any other use.

To make a request, email: reading.rooms@tate.org.uk

Tate Britain's step-free entrance is on Atterbury Street. It has automatic sliding doors and there is a ramp down to the entrance with central handrails.

The Reading Rooms are located on the Lower floor, past the cloakroom.

  • There is a lift between the Lower and Main floors. Alternatively you can take the stairs.
  • Accessible, standard and a Changing Places toilets are located on the Lower floor.
  • Ear defenders can be borrowed from the ticket desk on the Lower floor.

To help plan your visit to Tate Britain, have a look at our visual story. It includes photographs and information about what you can expect from a visit to the gallery.

Download Tate Britain map PDF

For more information before you visit Tate Britain:

  • Email hello@tate.org.uk
  • Call +44 (0)20 7887 8888 – option 1 (daily 09.45–18.00)
Check all Tate Britain accessibility information

Our Mission and Vision statement has been updated and is informed by Tate’s wider vision.

Tate Library and Archive Mission and Vision 2023-2028

Our access policy gives an overview on how visitors can maximise their use of our collections and services.

Tate Library and Archive Access Policy 2023-2028

Admission information

Not visited before? To book an appointment and request items, email: reading.rooms@tate.org.uk

Opening times

Monday to Thursday 11.00–17.00

Location

Lower floor, via the Manton Entrance

Tate Britain
Millbank
London SW1P 4RG
Plan your visit

Contact

Email: reading.rooms@tate.org.uk

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Events and Displays

  • Artists International

    This display tells the story of the Artists’ International Association, from its foundation in 1933 to the mid-point of the Second World War

    Free

Find out more

  • Tate Library Zine Collection

    Tate Library

    Explore our Library collections, a centre for research on British art since 1500 and international art since 1900

  • Tate Archive Nimai Chatterji collection

    Tate Archive

    Explore the wealth of material on British art in our Archive and Tate's activities in our Public Records

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