En:Library and Museum of the United Grand Lodge of England
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Library and Museum of the United Grand Lodge of England
The Library and Museum of the United Grand Lodge of England houses one of the finest collections of Masonic material in the world. It is open to the public, Monday to Friday, free of charge.
Museum
A changing series of exhibitions portray the history of Freemasonry in England and specific aspects of Masonic life. A tremendous variety of objects including Wedgewood, glass, metalwares - even bedwarmers - have, over the centuries, been produced with Masonic decoration.
The Museum's collections are extensive including pottery and porcelain, glassware, silver, furniture and clocks, Masonic jewels and regalia. Items belonging to famous and royal Freemasons including Winston Churchill and Edward VII are on display together with examples from the Museum's extensive collection of prints and engravings, photographs and ephemera.
Library
The Library is open for reference use. It contains a comprehensive collection of printed books and manuscripts on every facet of Freemasonry in England as well as material on Freemasonry elsewhere in the world and on subjects associated with Freemasonry or with mystical and esoteric traditions.
The collections include Masonic music, poetry and literature. There are a number of notable examples of fine eighteenth and nineteenth century bindings. Archive material is available for research upon application.
The Library is always pleased to help with historical enquiries by telephone and by post as well as in person and staff can advise about how to use Library resources. However staff cannot undertake extensive research on individual enquiries.
Visiting the Library and Museum
The Library and Museum is located in Freemasons' Hall. The present building is the third Masonic Hall to be built on the site in Great Queen Street. Dating from 1927-1933, is a superb example of the style of the period.
Admission to the Library and Museum is free of charge. It is located on the first floor of Freemasons' Hall. There are lifts (elevators) available which are suitable for most wheelchairs. Power sockets for laptop computers are available at some readers desks. A staffed photocopying service is provided. Copying is done at the discretion of the Librarian and is subject to copyright and conservation restrictions. For details of costs please contact the Librarian.
Opening Times
Monday - Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The Library and Museum is closed during the Christmas/New Year period and on Band Holidays.
Tours
Guided tours of the building (which start from the Library and Museum) are generally available (free of charge) Monday to Friday at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. However there are no tours on certain ceremonial occasions and visitors are advised to telephone before making a special journey. On Saturdays, guided tours must be pre-booked (and a booking fee is payable).
Call: 020 7395 9258 for tour details.
Address
The Library and Museum of Freemasonry, Freemasons' Hall, 60 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5AZ
Telephone: 020 7395 9251
Fax: 020 7404 7418
Links
- http://www.ugle.org.uk/ United Grand Lodge of Enland
- http://www.freemasonry.london.museum/ The Library and Museum of Freemasonry
