Find out how you can explore the collections for free online or in person.
Plan your visit
The Caird Library and Archive is currently closed along with other other museums and sites. As soon as current restrictions are lifted we will update this page with information about planning a safe visit.
When we reopen, booking an appointment in advance will be essential. Please follow the guidelines below to register a visit.
To register and to request items to view you will need to use the Library's online request system, Aeon.
The Library offers a document copying service to supply scans of items in our collection.
We have prepared a detailed guide to visits to the Caird Library whilst social distancing measures are in place.
If you have a question about accessing the Library and Archive collection, we recommend you check our FAQs. If you need further assistance, please do contact us:
Email: library@rmg.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 8312 6516 (during Library opening hours)
Tickets and Opening
Free entry
Wednesday-Thursday
10.30am-3.45pm
- Greenwich Station
- Cutty Sark DLR
- Maze Hill Station
- Greenwich Pier
Using our collections for research
Find out how our archives and catalogues can support your research
Read the Caird Library blog
From major collections to personal diaries, discover more about the stories waiting to be discovered in our collections
About the Caird Library and Archive
The Library collection includes over 100,000 books, 20,000 pamphlets, 20,000 bound periodicals including 200 current titles, and over 12,000 rare books spanning every aspect of maritime history, including: emigration, navigation, piracy, astronomy, shipping companies, shipwrecks, biographies, the two World Wars, horology, Merchant and Royal Navy.
Also included are many original documents, manuscripts, atlases, maps, sea charts and periodicals. There are 6,000 books and printed resources available to study on open access shelves.
The collections are available to everyone and can be accessed for free online or in person. All that is required is to register for a Reader's Ticket.
A team of professional librarians and archivists are available to help and advise readers at all times.
If you are not able to visit the Caird Library and Archive, staff are happy to answer enquiries by telephone, email and letter about items in our collection and can offer up to 15 minutes of free research time.
Explore our collections online
Search our digital database to find out more about our objects, paintings and archives
Choose your tickets
Caird Library
- World's largest maritime archive
- Over 100,000 books
- Open to all researchers
Free entry
Become a Member
- Unlimited entry all year
- Royal Observatory
- Cutty Sark
- Planetarium Shows
- Special exhibitions
| Direct Debit | One-off |
|---|---|
| Individual: £50 | Individual: £60 |
| Family: from £65 | Family: from £75 |
National Maritime Museum
- Guaranteed entry time
- More space to explore
- Access to all free galleries
- Paid exhibitions not included
| Free entry |
| Advance booking essential |