Private tours, displays and workshops

Bishopsgate Institute’s Library, Special Collections & Archives reveal fascinating stories about London’s social and political history.

We invite corporate clients, community organisations, special-interest groups, and all other hirers to discover these stories during their time with us. Discover a wealth of extraordinary human stories via a curated display of archival materials, an expert-led workshop, or a private tour.

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A Bishopsgate archivist discusses items from the archives with a member of the public.

Archival objects on display at a Women in Prison event in our library.

© 2024 Credit : Fanny Beckman
A group of people look at documents and books on a table.

Attendees gather around books and other documents at the Women in Prison charity's anniversary event in our library, November 2024.

© 2024 Credit : Fanny Beckman

Exhibitions

Bishopsgate Institute’s special collections and archives are renowned throughout the world. We hold extensive archives focussed on London history, LGBTQIA+ culture, and a variety of protest, campaign, and labour movements.

We would be delighted to curate a bespoke selection of items to display during your hire. Our expert staff can advise on both the most eye-catching materials from our special collections to display during your event and the best way to display them.

Tours

Inspire your guests with a tour led by our Special Collections and Archives Manager. Our archive basement is home to thousands of items, many of which are unique or simply not available for public view elsewhere.

We have particular specialism around our major collecting areas:

  • London History
  • LGBTQIA+ History
  • Feminist and Women's History
  • Labour, Socialist, and Co-Operative History
  • Protest and Campaigning.

Like our exhibitions, tours can be curated to best suit your team and event. We can accommodate a maximum of 20 adults per tour.

Contact us

To make an enquiry about hiring one of our spaces, fill out our form or call us on 020 7392 9200 (Monday to Friday, 09:30 - 17:30).

We are a secular and independent charity. Our building cannot be used to host rallies, party political or religious events. We also don’t hire our building for public classes and courses run by external parties.

Image: Kathleen Arundell