The RIBA Collections Move: An Update - Sep 2025
Members may have seen the recent update on the RIBA website, confirming the closure date of the RIBA Study Room at the V&A: the last day of service will be Thursday, 25 June 2026. The intention to reopen at an interim location in autumn 2027 has been indicated, and further details of that location are expected to follow this autumn.
The Society has requested additional information regarding access to archival material during this interim closure period, as follows:
The Piper Centre will remain open for access during the interim period. It may at times be necessary to limit access to the Piper Centre to certain days, especially if staff are engaged in moving the collections from the V&A, but if this happens, researchers will be informed at the time of booking. The only material that will be available to consult at the Piper Centre is material that is already there. There is no extra space at the Piper Centre, so no material usually housed at other sites can be moved to the Centre to allow for access during the interim period.
We asked whether there might be extended opening hours at the Piper Centre. We are advised that these hours are by appointment and therefore already demand-driven: the aim is to accommodate all requests and offer significant flexibility to researchers about when they can visit. This will continue during the period of moves and the interim period.
We also asked whether, given the length of the interim closure period, it was possible that, in advance of the June 2026 closure, the RIBA Study Room at the V&A could be opened more than two days a week in order to allow researchers the maximum opportunity to undertake research.
The RIBA team’s hands are tied here, as the opening hours of the RIBA Study Rooms are determined by the V&A, which has maintained the two-day schedule since reopening after COVID. Nevertheless, we are advised that the demand for the RIBA Study Room will be monitored carefully to ensure that requests for sessions can be accommodated before the temporary closure period begins. There is currently availability every week from 1 October onwards.
Members are encouraged to make their appointments to use the RIBA Study Room at the V&A as soon as possible in order to help the RIBA Collections team manage demand. Appointments can be made by emailing RIBA.
Members are reminded that the relocation of the RIBA Library and the photographic collection from 66 Portland Place has been successfully completed, and an interim service is now available at the London Archives and by appointment at Crown Fine Art. Details are available on the RIBA website.
If members have any further queries, they are welcome to contact RIBA directly or via the Society.
