Due to planned electrical work the exhibition will close at 17.00 on Friday 28 June and Friday 19 July, with last entry at 15.30. The exhibition will be closed all day on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June and Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July, reopening at 12.30 on Monday 1 July and Monday 22 July.

Ticket pricing
On the first Wednesday of every month the British Library are running Pay What You Can days where what you pay for entry is up to you (minimum £1). Select your preferred Pay What You Can day, select the required number of tickets for £1 each and add a donation to your overall ticket purchase price.

British Library Members go free with a guest. Select your free tickets and proceed to book, you don’t need to log in. Please bring your Membership card with you when you visit. Find out more about becoming a British Library Member.

£10 tickets available for Concessions including those under 30 and students. Please see the ticket options for more details and select the ticket type you require. The British Library also offers discounts for groups of 10+, these will automatically discount once added to your basket.
ICOM, NMDC and other reciprocal free entry scheme organisation cards are accepted for free entry into this exhibition up until Sunday 11 August, there is no need to pre-book, please visit the Library with your card for entry, subject to availability.

Explore our Events. Hear from trailblazers of Black British music at the exhibition’s associated performances, talks and Lates including events with Soul II Soul, Eddy Grant, Joan Armatrading, George the Poet, DJ Paulette, Jamz Supernova and many more.

Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music is a partnership with the Black Music Research Unit, part of the University of Westminster’s Centre for Research and Education in Arts and Media