Visit Us

The Gallery area, its exhibitions and all Portico events are open to everyone during our opening hours.

Tea or coffee and cake are available from the kitchen all day and soup and sandwiches are available from 12.00 to 14.00. They can all be enjoyed at the tables in the Gallery under the dome, surrounded by floor to ceiling bookshelves! Staff are available to answer any questions you may have about the Library, Gallery, the building and their collective history.

Please be aware that, aside from the Gallery area, the nature of our special collection necessitates that access to other parts of the Library is restricted to members and researchers only.

There are occasions when the Gallery is closed due to meetings, private functions or exhibition changes. For this reason, we advise that you contact us in advance if you are travelling a long distance to visit us.

Opening Hours
Monday 9.30-16.30
Tuesday 9.30-16.30
Wednesday 9.30-16.30
Thursday 9.30-19.30
Friday 9.30-16.30
Saturday 11.00-15.00
Sunday Closed

The Library is closed on Bank Holidays and for a week over Christmas (closing from 2pm Friday 21st December 2012 and reopening 9.30am Wednesday 2nd January 2013). The Library may sometimes be closed on a Thursday evening due to private hirings or events. Please call ahead to ensure that we will be open for your visit.