Behind-the-scenes tour of the National Art Library
National Art Library in the V&A Museum
View, and often even handle, original books by some of Britain's favourite authors. The collection includes surviving original manuscripts by Charles Dickens, the largest collection of Beatrix Potter material in the world, and three of Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks, in his characteristic mirror writing. The Library is situated in the Museum.
Duration: 1 hour 30 mins
Number of people: 1-12 per tour Multiple tours can run concurrently for larger groups
Cost: £220
How to book
Please contact the Groups Team on +44 (0)20 7942 2764, or e-mail:groups@vam.ac.uk , to discuss the details of the tour you would like to arrange.
We recommend booking a minimum of 1 month in advance.
The Groups Team
The V&A has a small, friendly and experienced Groups Team dedicated to arranging private group visits.A member of the team meets and assists the group on the day to ensure everything goes smoothly so that organisers can also relax and enjoy the visit.
Days and times
Private tours and talks can take place during normal opening hours:
10.00-17.45 seven days a week.
We are open every day of the year except 24-26 December.
It is usually possible to give tours concurrently if required.
Gallery stools are available on arrival for visitors who find it difficult to stand for a length of time.
Familiarisation visits
Group organisers are welcome to make an appointment to come and meet a member of the Groups Team at the V&A, to discuss details of the visit and familiarise themselves with the venue.
A gift in your will
You may not have thought of including a gift to a museum in your will, but the V&A is a charity and legacies form an important source of funding for our work. It is not just the great collectors and the wealthy who leave legacies to the V&A. Legacies of all sizes, large and small, make a real difference to what we can do and your support can help ensure that future generations enjoy the V&A as much as you have.
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