The British Library website says the Treasure Tours are sold out on the days we will be there. Does that mean we cannot see The Magna Carta, Shakespeare’s Folios, early Bible, etc?
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
15683 posts
It looks like the Treasures Gallery where Magna Carta, Lindesfarne Gospel, etc are located are to be closed for some renovation in August and Sept. Is that when you are visiting?
"21 May 2025 - The Treasures Gallery will be closed between 18 August and 27 September 2025. This is so we can make some changes to our climate control system which will reduce our power consumption whilst maintaining the highest environmental standards in our galleries for the items on display. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."
Posted by
Virginia
365 posts
I’ve visited the British Library several times recently and had never heard of “treasure tours” until seeing your question. From the website that appears to be a guided visit. You don’t need that. You can just go into the gallery any time it’s open (noting what another commenter said about a period of closure in Aug-Sept) and see it on your own. It’s not a big place and everything is well labeled. Reserving and paying for a guided tour is unnecessary.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
6132 posts
You don’t need to take the Treasures Tour tour to visit the Treasures Gallery. Check the opening times here and note the closure dates (as mentioned above):
https://www.bl.uk/visit/
Posted by
London
465 posts
As others have mentioned above, you can go on your own whenever it's open. If you'd like a tour, there is an audio tour for the British Library on the Rick Steves app (which I found helpful!).
Posted by
OP
16 posts
Okay. Thanks so much! We will be there June 23 and 24 so I think we will be fine.