Together, as part of the partnership, the architectural collections| of the RIBA and the Victoria and Albert Museum offer an unrivalled resource for the study and enjoyment of architecture. The collections of the RIBA are held as part of the British Architectural Library and are located| at two sites. Its drawings and archives can be accessed from the study rooms at the V&A (alongside the V&A's own collections), while the books, periodicals and photographs can be seen in the Library's Reading Room at the headquarters of the RIBA.
Any member of the public can easily access these collections in a number of ways:
Exhibitions and talks
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The partnership's permanent exhibition is at the Architecture Gallery and temporary displays can be seen in Room 128a, both are at the V&A and entry is free.
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There are also free temporary exhibitions at the RIBA.
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The partnership organises a regular season of Closer Look talks by curators where the public can see original material from the collections.
Libraries and study rooms
The libraries and study rooms of both institutions are open to the public.
Online
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RIBApix and V&A Images are the expanding digital databases of images from the collections of both institutions. Images can be downloaded for educational purposes or purchased for commercial use.
Education and group visits
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The partnership engages in education programmes dedicated to extending the appreciation and understanding of architecture. Group visits can be accommodated with advanced notice.
Loans
RIBA collections
Items from the RIBA collections may be borrowed| by other institutions for temporary exhibitions.
V&A collections
Institutions that wish to borrow items from these collections for temporary exhibitions can do so by contacting the V&A|.