The Upper Library of the Geological Society of London, tables and chairs on a maroon carpet surrounded by book-lined shelves and green pillars

Open House Day 2026

19 September 2026 10:00 - 17:00 Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, W1J 0BG

19 September 2026 | 10:00 - 17:00 | Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, W1J 0BG

Join us on Saturday 19 September as part of London's annual Open House Festival!

We will be throwing open our doors to welcome the public to our beautiful building. Take a self-guided tour around our libraries and meeting rooms, view famous geological maps and discover the history of geology.

 

What's on view?

On your visit you will see: Entrance Hall, in which is displayed the first geological map of England & Wales (1815) by William Smith and a painting of palaeontologist Mary Anning; the triple and double tiered Upper and Lower Libraries which hold the Society’s internationally important collections; the Council Room with portraits of a number of the Society’s major historical figures; our modern Lecture Theatre.

The Upper Library of the Geological Society of London, taken from an upstairs gallery looking down at table and chairs on a maroon carpet surrounded by book-lined shelves. Two bright glass chandeliers hang above the library.
Large Hallway with grand staircase and a map of the UK
A 172-seat Lecture Theatre with blue chairs and a large projector screen.

Exhibition

'Obscurity & Notability: hidden identities of female geologists in the 19th century', a display of fossils from the collections of lesser-known 19th Century female geologists.

Discover

Stones of Burlington House: a self-guided tour of the geology to be found in and around the Geological Society's apartments.

Children's activities

Our education team will provide free activities for children. Details will be confirmed closer to September, but previous examples include 'Fossils Feely-Table' and 'Build a Volcano'.

Further details available on the Open House website

This is a free event and is open to all. There is no need to book in advance.

Last entry is 4.30pm