Conditions of use
Before visiting us, read the conditions of use of the V&A Study Rooms.
Accessibility information
For information on accessible entrances, step-free routes and accessible resources at National Art Library and Prints and Drawings Study Room, see our access information.
National Art Library
The National Art Library (NAL), located on Level 2, V&A, South Kensington is a major public reference library, open to all visitors. The collection covers the fine and decorative arts, design and art history and contains books, periodicals, auction sale catalogues, exhibition catalogues, electronic resources and other formats of material. Amongst the many treasures are artists' books, illustrated books, fine bindings and rare and unique manuscripts. Items from the V&A Museum Archive and Registry and recordings from the National Video Archive of Performance are also available to view by prior appointment.
Prints and Drawings Study Room
Visitors can study and enjoy over 750,000 objects not on display in the galleries, including designs, fine art prints, watercolours, old master drawings, photographs, commercial graphics, greetings cards, playing cards, fashion plates, posters, wallpapers and much more.
Some items that are light-sensitive and fragile can only be viewed under certain conditions and by special appointment.
Opening times and location
Wednesdays, 10.00 – 13.00 and 14.00 – 17.00
Thursdays 10.00 – 13.00 and 14.00 – 17.00
Location
Access only from the Learning Centre on Level 0.
Closest entrance: Exhibition Road
Booking an appointment
Viewing objects is by appointment only.
We require a minimum of one week's notice for an appointment. Slots are booked up quickly, so please book as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment.
Individuals can have up to 5 objects, or boxes of objects, per visit. A group can have up to 10 objects, or boxes of objects, for a visit. The limit for a group is 10 people at a time.
To book an individual or group appointment, email:
aapd.enquiries@vam.ac.uk.
In your booking request, please provide:
- First and second choice of visit date
- Accession number and collection location of the object(s), which can be found on an individual object's record in Explore the Collections.
Bag restrictions and rules
We have lockers in the print room lobby for small bags and coats only. Please use the main museum cloakroom for any large bags or other items.
Filming is not allowed in the print room without prior approval from the Print Room Manager. Still photography is normally permitted.
See the conditions of use for the full list of rules.
Collections
Collection Selection Boxes
You can also request up to five Collection Selection Boxes for individual study or group teaching. These contain original prints, drawings and photographs that introduce a particular period, style, material, or technique.
Royal Photographic Society (RPS) collection
We are currently cataloguing the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) collection, which was transferred to the V&A from the Science Museum Group in April 2018. As we progress, you will be able to see the records for individual objects appearing on Explore the Collections.
Cataloguing the entire collection will take a few years and so we are sharing our working lists of the contents of each box of photographic prints and glass-based photographic material. These lists provide an overview of the collection contents and will help researchers in arranging to view objects.
RIBA Architecture Study Room
The V&A and RIBA work in partnership to provide access to the world's most comprehensive architectural resource. The collection includes over 1 million drawings, 1.5 million photographs and 1.5 million archives, including architectural diaries, travel journals, letters, notebooks, essays, papers and office archives.
Find out more about the V&A + RIBA Collections
Opening times and location
Wednesdays, 10.00 – 13.00 and 14.00 – 17.00
Thursdays 10.00 – 13.00 and 14.00 – 17.00
Access only from the Learning Centre on Level 0.
Booking an appointment
Access is by appointment only.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7307 3708
Email: drawingsandarchives@riba.org
Ceramics Study Room
The Ceramics Study Room allows you to view up close the objects on display in Rooms 136 to 139.
Opening times and location
Monday – Friday, 10.00 – 12.00 and 14.00 – 16.00
Monday – Friday, 10.00 – 12.00 and 14.00 – 16.00
Booking an appointment
Access is by appointment only.
Western ceramics
Tel: +44 (0)20 3949 4731
Email: ceramicsstudyroom@vam.ac.uk
Asian ceramics
Tel: +44 (0)20 3949 4515
Email: ceramicsstudyroom@vam.ac.uk
Appointments are subject to availability and the suitability of the objects to be shown in this manner.
Temporary closures
The Clothworkers' Centre for the study and conservation of textiles and fashion is currently closed and we are relocating all our archive collections. Access will resume following the opening of the new V&A East Storehouse in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on 31 May 2025.
Material from the V&A Archive, which houses the historical records of the museum, can be viewed by appointment in the National Art Library at V&A South Kensington.
Archive Collections
- Archive of Art and Design – Contains the archives of individuals, associations and companies involved in any stage of the art and design process.
- V&A Archive – The institutional archives of the V&A and its predecessor organisations date from 1837 to the present day, providing a rich resource for the study of the history and influence of the Museum. Items from the V&A Archive are also available to view by prior appointment in the National Art Library at South Kensington.
- Theatre and Performance Archive – Includes extensive archives from performing arts companies and other organisations, as well as from individuals such as performers, stage designers and private collectors.
- Young V&A Archive – Preserves archives relating to childhood creativity, design for children and the history of play.