Warburg Library and Collections Tours

The Warburg Institute is one of the world’s leading centres for the study of art and culture. Its collections, courses and programmes are dedicated to the study of global cultural history and the role of images in society. Founded in Hamburg at the turn of the twentieth century by historian Aby Warburg (1866-1929), the Institute was established to trace the roots of the Renaissance in ancient civilisations, and is one of the world’s leading centres for the study of art, culture and the history of ideas.

The Warburg’s unique Library, Archive and Photographic Collection form a holistic, associative engine for exploring the histories of the arts and sciences — linking the textual and the visual, the intellectual and the social, the scientific and the magical. Following an extensive renovation of the Institute’s premises in Bloomsbury, new spaces for exhibitions and events have restored the Institute’s original emphasis on discovery, display and debate and are bringing its holdings and programmes to new audiences.

We are offering a series of public tours for visitors interested in learning more about our Library, Photographic Collection and Archive. Places are free but must be booked in advance on a first come first served basis.

Please note, bags, coats and umbrellas are not permitted in the reading rooms. Please arrive a few minutes early to use lockers and coat racks before joining the tour.