Bishopsgate Institute, Cultural institution and reference library in City of London, England
Bishopsgate Institute is a cultural institution and reference library in the City of London holding over 250,000 images and many historical documents. The building displays striking Art Nouveau design with a distinctive facade designed by Charles Harrison Townsend in 1895.
The Institute grew from charitable donations collected over five centuries by the parish of St. Botolph-without-Bishopsgate, consolidated into a single fund in 1891. This commitment to supporting social causes continues to shape the institution's work today.
The library holds important collections about London's past, labor movements, and social activism that visitors can explore. You will find Britain's largest LGBTQIA+ archive here, reflecting the stories of many communities.
The reference library opens on weekdays with extended hours on Wednesdays for visitor access. Plan time to browse through the historical documents and explore the different archival collections at your own pace.
The Institute houses the Great Diary Project, collecting more than 15,000 unpublished personal diaries that document everyday life experiences. This collection offers a rare look into the private thoughts of ordinary people across different time periods.
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