RIBA Headquarters and the British Architectural Library
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) serves as a cornerstone for architectural excellence and preservation in the United Kingdom. Since 1934, the organization has been headquartered at 66 Portland Place in London, a Grade II* listed building that blends professional administration with public cultural resources. This landmark site is not only an office but a hub for architectural study, featuring a library, bookshop, galleries, and a lecture theatre.
Designed by architect George Grey Wornum, the building is adorned with sculptures by James Woodford and Edward Bainbridge Copnall, reflecting the institute's commitment to the arts.
Key Facts
- Location: 66 Portland Place, London (Headquarters since 1934).
- Library Scale: Over four million items, making it the largest architectural library in Europe.
- Major Renovation: A comprehensive refurbishment of 66 Portland Place is scheduled to begin June 1, 2025, with a budget of £85 million.
- Collection Highlights: Includes the world's largest collection of Andrea Palladio drawings and a book dating back to 1478.
- Public Access: The library and its learning programs are free to the public.
The Evolution of 66 Portland Place
The transition to 66 Portland Place in 1934 was driven largely by the need for more space to house the growing British Architectural Library, which had previously been located at 9 Conduit Street since 1859. The building has remained a steadfast resource even through global conflict, notably sheltering the archives of Modernist architect Adolf Loos during World War II.
Modern Challenges and Refurbishment
In recent years, RIBA has navigated financial and operational shifts. Following the COVID-19 pandemic and significant trading deficits between 2020 and 2022, the institute sold its lease on the adjacent 76 Portland Place for nearly £12 million. This decision was influenced by a shift in workplace preferences, with 89% of staff preferring to work from the office only two or three days a week.
To modernize its primary home, RIBA announced a comprehensive refurbishment of 66 Portland Place. While initially budgeted at over £20 million in 2022, the 2024 budget was increased to £85 million. The building will close for approximately two and a half years starting June 1, 2025. During this period, staff will be temporarily housed in the British Medical Association offices in Tavistock Square.
The British Architectural Library
Established in 1834, the British Architectural Library (or RIBA Library) is one of the three largest architectural libraries globally. It is funded entirely by RIBA and provides free access to students, families, and professionals.
Collection Breakdown
The library's vast holdings are categorized into several specialized collections:
- Archives: 1.5 million items, including personal papers, diaries, and correspondence of architects.
- Drawings: 1 million items, featuring works from the Renaissance to the present, including major collections by Edwin Lutyens, Charles Holden, and Ernő Goldfinger.
- Photographs: 1.5 million items, with significant 20th-century holdings from photographers like Henk Snoek and Eric de Maré.
- Books and Periodicals: 150,000 books (including a 1570 first edition of Palladio's I quattro libri dell'architettura) and 2,000 architectural titles.
- Biographical Files: 20,000 files containing obituaries, brochures, and membership nomination papers.
- Models and Audiovisual: Physical models (such as Denys Lasdun's National Theatre) and recordings of Royal Gold Medal winners.
Access and Facilities
The library operates across two primary sites. The Reading Room at 66 Portland Place retains its 1934 Art Deco interior, designed by George Grey Wornum and Miriam Wornum. The second site consists of the RIBA Architecture Study Rooms in the Henry Cole Wing of the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), designed by Wright & Wright Architects.
Due to the upcoming renovations, some collections will be temporarily transferred to the London Archives in Clerkenwell starting in April 2025.
The V&A + RIBA Architecture Partnership
Since 2004, RIBA and the V&A have collaborated to increase public engagement with architecture. This partnership led to the creation of the Architecture Gallery (Room 128) and the Architecture Exhibition Space (Room 128a), designed by Gareth Hoskins Architects. This was the first permanent gallery in the UK dedicated specifically to architecture.
However, this partnership will conclude in 2027 by mutual agreement. The permanent gallery will close, and artefacts will return to RIBA's collections, some of which will be housed in the new "House of Architecture" at 66 Portland Place. Additionally, the four million items in the drawings and archives collection will move to the National Archives in Kew in January 2026, with a new study space expected to open there in autumn 2027.
Summary of RIBA Facilities and Collections
| Category | Details / Quantity | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | 66 Portland Place | Grade II* listed; Art Deco Reading Room |
| Archives & Drawings | 2.5 Million items | World's largest Andrea Palladio drawing collection |
| Photographs | 1.5 Million items | Architectural Press archive |
| Books | 150,000 volumes | Earliest book dates to 1478 |
| Partnership | V&A (ending 2027) | Architecture Gallery (Room 128) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When will 66 Portland Place close for refurbishment?
The building is scheduled to close on June 1, 2025, for a renovation period expected to last two and a half years.
Is the British Architectural Library free to visit?
Yes, the library is funded by RIBA and is open to the public without charge, including its learning programs.
Where will the RIBA collections be stored during the renovation?
Some collections will be temporarily transferred to the London Archives in Clerkenwell, while the historic drawings and archives collection will move to the National Archives in Kew starting in January 2026.
What happened to the RIBA's property at 76 Portland Place?
RIBA sold the lease on 76 Portland Place for nearly £12 million to help balance its budget and because the space became surplus to requirements due to hybrid working patterns.
What is the significance of the V&A + RIBA Architecture Partnership?
Established in 2004, it created the UK's first permanent architecture gallery (Room 128) and provided public study rooms for architectural collections, though the partnership is set to end in 2027.