British Museum’s historic reading room reopens to the public

The British Museum’s famous Reading Room, a cornerstone of London’s intellectual history, has officially reopened to the public. This architectural marvel, once frequented by history’s greatest thinkers, is now open for guided tours and general visits.

The Reading Room, designed by Sydney Smirke in the mid-19th century to house the museum’s growing collection of books and manuscripts, was opened on 2 May 1857. Its distinctive circular structure, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, features a large dome that was the largest in the world at the time, rivalling St Peter’s Basilica. Construction began in 1854.

The dome, which measures 43 metres in diameter, is a testament to mid-19th-century engineering. Its glass panels let in natural light. A central desk is surrounded by multi-tiered shelves that once housed thousands of volumes, creating an ideal environment for academic research.

Over the years, the Reading Room has served as a sanctuary for renowned intellectuals such as Karl Marx, who conducted research for “Das Kapital,” and others such as Virginia Woolf, Mahatma Gandhi, George Bernard Shaw, and Lenin. This vibrant center fostered a culture of learning and research, becoming a symbol of the quest for knowledge.

By the end of the 20th century, the Museum’s library collections had outgrown the Reading Room, leading to the move of many books to the new British Library in 1973. The Reading Room underwent extensive restoration and modernisation, and reopened in 2000 as part of the British Museum’s Great Court. This transformation preserved its historical integrity while introducing modern facilities.

The Reading Room is a unique exhibition space rather than a traditional library. It continues to attract visitors from around the world, who come to admire its architectural beauty and historical significance. Exhibitions range from ancient manuscripts to contemporary art, reflecting the British Museum’s diverse cultural heritage.

Recently, the reading room was opened for guided tours after being closed to the public. Last year, the museum had already set up guided tours, ensuring that they did not disturb researchers. Since July 2, the room has been accessible to visitors without an appointment, and guided tours are planned from July 23. These tours, which can accommodate up to 20 visitors per slot, are free and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Reading Room, completed in 1857, quickly became a world-renowned centre of learning. Prominent users included Karl Marx, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Bram Stoker and Lenin, all of whom found inspiration within its walls.

Between 1997 and 2000, the reading room was restored and opened to the public for the first time. Since 2013, it has occasionally served as an exhibition space but has remained closed until now.

Visitors can now explore this masterpiece of mid-19th-century technology inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. Visit the British Museum website to find out more about tours of the Reading Room.

Top photo: BM Reading Room Photography Diliff Wikimedia Commons

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British Museum, British Museum Reading Room