Visit the Study Centre - University of Birmingham

The University Collections Study Centre Reading Room is a dedicated space to view the collections and related curatorial files. Anyone is welcome to view the collections including members of the public, University of Birmingham staff and students and external researchers.

Booking in advance is essential, we are unable to support drop-in visits.

Booking your visit

If you’d like to visit to view objects, artwork and/or related curatorial files, please:

If you have an initial research query, please send an email to rcc@contacts.bham.ac.uk and the curatorial team will support your request.

Be as specific as possible about what you would like to see. You can select your objects by looking at the online museum database or other platforms.

Complete a Research Visit Request Form (Word, 22kb) and email this to us at rcc@contacts.bham.ac.uk. A member of the team will be in touch to confirm your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are you open?

The Reading Room is open for research request visit bookings:

Monday: 10am – 3.45pm
Tuesday: 10am – 3.45pm
Thursday: 10am – 3.45pm

Please note that this depends on staff availability and University Closed Days which are outlined here. We will consider research requests for alternative days should these not be suitable.

What do I need to bring?

You can bring a notebook, pencil, phone/camera and laptop into the Reading Room. Please note that no pens are permitted in the Reading Room. All other belongings can be placed in the lockers provided.

I have access requirements – how can you support me?

Please read the Visitor Information and Research Visit Guidelines which outlines accessibility information and the buildings AccessAble page. Please contact us if you need additional information or support for your visit.

I have a query that isn’t covered here?

Please read the Visitor Information and Research Visit Guidelines but contact us if you have further questions.