Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland Museum

Website: https://royalasiaticsociety.org

Hours: Office hours generally weekdays 9:30am-5:30pm (events outside these hours)

Admission: Membership-based access to some services; some lectures open to the public (fees vary).

The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland is a learned society based in London, founded in 1823 to promote the study of Asia and its cultures. It maintains a specialist library and organises lectures, publications and research activities.

The society is primarily a research and membership organisation rather than a public museum; non‑members can sometimes attend public lectures or consult the library by prior arrangement. Its activities concentrate on academic events, publications and the curation of specialised collections in Asian studies.

Established in the early 19th century, the society brought together scholars, diplomats and travellers with the aim of advancing knowledge about Asia; it has published journals and supported research since its foundation. Over time it has functioned as a central learned body for Oriental studies in Britain.

The society’s premises are in central London; its location places it among the academic and cultural institutions of the Bloomsbury area, with transport links to central London research centres.

• Collections and access: The society runs lectures, publications and a specialist library on Asian studies; access to the library and events is typically for members or by arrangement.

The society is located in central London; check the events page for exact venue details (some events are held in lecture halls across Bloomsbury and Kensington). Nearest Tube stations vary by venue - common nearby stations include Euston, Russell Square and South Kensington depending on the programme.

• Check the society's events calendar online before visiting - many lectures, exhibitions and meetings require booking or membership.
• If researching archives, email ahead; the society's library and archives are accessed by appointment.
• Many of the society's public events are held in central London lecture venues rather than a single grand building - confirm location details on event pages.