About Secret Maps

Step into the shadows at Secret Maps, a major new exhibition revealing the stories hidden in some of history’s most mysterious maps.

Maps have always been more than just tools for navigation – in the hand of governments, groups and individuals, maps create and control knowledge. In Secret Maps, we trace the levels of power, coercion and secrecy that lie behind maps from the 14th century to the present day, and uncover the invisible forces that draw and distort the world around us.

Some of the maps on display reveal hidden landscapes, offering insight into places long forgotten or erased from official histories. Others are purposefully deceptive, designed to protect treasures, mask strategic locations, or reshape the way we see the world. This exhibition uncovers each of their individual secrets, revealing their hidden purposes and power.

Discover the maps you were never meant to see.

With thanks to Wayland Games, Tony & Maureen Wheeler, Kathryn Uhde, Sir Trevor & Lady Susan Chinn, The Indigo Trust and Richard H Brown.

More information

Concessions

British Library Members go free with a guest. Click book now, and then login to your box office account to book your free tickets. Please bring your Membership card with you when you visit. Find out more about becoming a British Library Member. 

Other concessions are available, including for under 25s, students, those with a disability, those registered unemployed, and those on Universal or Pension Credit. Please see the ticket options for more details and select the ticket type you require. We also offer discounts for groups of 10+, and 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 2 January 2026.

Exhibition opening hours

Secret Maps is open:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday  09.30 – 18.00

Tuesday  09.30 – 20.00

Saturday  09.30 – 17.00

Sunday  11.00 – 17.00

Universal or Pension Credit tickets

You can visit Secret Maps for £3 if you are in receipt of Universal Credit or Pension Credit. You can select this ticket type when you book.

You will need to present proof of either your (PIP) Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance, Housing Benefit, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), Child Tax Credits (CTC), Working Tax Credits (WTC), Income Support, Application registration card (ARC) on arrival.