Exploring Architecture: National Poetry Library

Join RIBA Learning for a curator's introduction to the Poetry Buildings exhibition at the National Poetry Library at the Southbank Centre.
About this Event

Have you ever considered how architecture can inspire poetry? How spaces experienced through writing? Or how stanzas can be printed to replicate columns, arches and walls?

The Poetry Buildings group exhibition brings together visual poets and artists exploring the relationship between poetry and the built environment. Spanning millennia, the collection of works features poems and objects from the ancient eras to the concrete poetry movement of the 1950s, to some of the most exciting voices writing and making today.

After the exhibition introduction, join us for a short activity where we will use our surroundings, the iconic brutalist Southbank Centre, as inspiration for our own poetry writing. Starting from scratch, or with prompts provided by the places and spaces we’re in.

The National Poetry Library houses the world’s largest public collection of modern poetry. Founded by the Arts Council in 1953 and opened by poets TS Eliot and Herbert Read, they've been at the heart of the nation’s poetry community ever since, nurturing generations of talented and much-loved poets.

Since 1988, and a relocation ceremony led by Seamus Heaney, the National Poetry Library has lived at the Southbank Centre on Level 5 of the Royal Festival Hall, where it is London’s only space dedicated to poetry study. They believe poetry is for everyone to enjoy and is a great way to understand the world around us. The library is free to join across the UK.

Accessibility

There is level access to the Southbank Centre from Queen Elizabeth Hall slip road or Belvedere Road. Internally you’ll find lifts offering access to all floors. Some of the centre’s lifts are currently undergoing refurbishment, but others will be operational. Please speak to a member of staff if you need an alternative step-free route.

There are accessible toilets on every level of the building. Assistance dogs are welcome.

Exploring Architecture is a free monthly event for adults. Please register for a ticket if you are sure you can attend. If you can no longer attend, please let us know by emailing [email protected] as early as possible, allowing us to keep this popular event well attended and free.

Terms and Conditions

• We reserve the right to alter the advertised content of events.
• In the unlikely event we need to cancel we will contact all ticket holders as soon as possible. We cannot reimburse or compensate for travel or other associated costs.
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• By accepting an invitation or purchasing a ticket you have consented to being photographed, filmed or recorded as a visitor attending the event for all general purposes in relation to the event including without limitation, publicity and promotional purposes. You consent to us using your voice, name and/or likeness, without compensation, for exploitation in promotional and publicity materials, online, books, newspapers, newsletters, magazine articles and social marketing whenever we choose to do so, in perpetuity.