Visit 66 Portland Place
We welcome everyone to the London base of the RIBA at 66 Portland Place - the building is open for all to enjoy.
New gallery opening at 66 Portland Place in spring 2014
Our new state-of-the-art gallery| will showcase our world-class collections, bringing some of the four million items to life through free exhibitions that explore the past, present and future of architecture.
As a result of the building work| you may experience some noise disruption when visiting the building. Please note:
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the first floor restaurant, café and terrace is closing from 1 June; the ground floor café bar remains open serving a delicious take-away menu
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the Library remains open but has some reduced access and opening hours
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the Bookshop remains open
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the exhibitions and events programme continues throughout the summer
Image: Carmody Groarke
Your visit
In addition to the architecture and decoration you’ll also find galleries with exhibitions| covering many angles of building design, an inviting bookshop|, the incredible Library| and, in our restaurant, café and bar|, some great places to meet, eat and drink. Rooms - from small meeting rooms to grand halls - can also be hired| for functions, conferences or seminars.
Bank holidays
The RIBA is always closed Easter weekend, between Christmas and New Year and all bank holidays. Please phone ahead if you are unsure of opening times.
Download PDF location map| (483kB)
Opened in 1934, the building's design was the result of a competition winning entry by the architect George Grey Wornum. With its rich applied decoration and sculpture, it is a classic and stunning example of early 1930s Art Deco architecture. You can discover more about this amazing building by downloading our free guide| (360kB). Why not print it out and bring it with you when you visit?
Secrets of 66 - Guided Tours
Over the course of an hour your group will take in the building’s fascinating history, stunning 1930s Art Deco Architecture and unravel curious stories with our dedicated Tour Guides. Pitched to your group, these tours are a perfect activity for everyone from seasoned architects and design professionals to lifelong learning groups and those with an interest in London’s rich and diverse history.
Guided Tours +highlights from the British Architectural Library’s collections
If you have a little more time, why not combine a Guided Tour with an additional look at highlights from the British Architectural Library’s world-class collections based at 66 Portland Place. The collections contain rare items from the 1400s to the present day spanning the world and covering a host of subjects, so no matter what your interest, this session will captivate.
Rates: Guided Tours are £8+vat per person; Guided Tour + Collections Highlights is £15+vat per person. Both options are available Monday-Friday 10am-5pm (Tuesdays 10am-7pm). Maximum group size is 20.
Please contact library.education@riba.org| for enquires and bookings.
A free building tour for the public takes place as part of Last Tuesdays, a series of special evening events held exhibition season at 66 Portland Place. Spaces for this public tour are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis on the day. Any groups of five or more should book a guided tour in advance by contacting library.education@riba.org|.
Ground floor
Bookshop*
Monday - Friday 9.30am-5.30pm
Saturday 10am-5pm
RIBA Bar
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8am - 7pm
Tuesday 8am - 9pm
Friday 8am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
RIBA restaurant
Monday to Friday 12 - 3pm
Tuesday 6 - 9pm
(From 8am - 12pm the restaurant area is open and refreshments can be ordered from the RIBA Café Menu.)
RIBA Café
Monday to Friday 8am-6pm
Please note that the RIBA Café and restaurant may be closed early some weekday evenings for events; to avoid disappointment please call 020 7307 3888 to check opening times (members can check RIBAnet for this information).
To book a table please call 020 7307 3747 or 0207 631 0467. Alternatively you can email restaurant@riba.org|.
3rd Floor
British Architectural Library
For Library opening hours see Library visitor information|.
The British Architectural Library is open to members, and to non-members, on production of proof of identity e.g. passport, driving licence, student university ID card.
Please note that due to forthcoming work to develop the RIBA's new ground floor permanent gallery, until 2014 access to the photograph collections will be very limited. Some books and journals will be available by advanced request only. Temporary opening hours| operate from now to the end of May 2013.
1st and 2nd Floors
Exhibitions
Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm.