Things to do
Bright ideas to help you make the most of your visit.
Take a guided tour
Journey behind the scenes to see what’s being made in our on-site workshops.
Led by one of our expert guides, you’ll explore the design and unique features of our renowned building.
Free exhibitions
The Reset exhibition
Peek behind the curtain to see how our stage teams prepare the theatres for each performance. A photography exhibition by Laura McCluskey, Max Miechowski and Callum Su.
Runs from 27 June 2024 in the Lyttelton Lounge in our foyers.
Amelia Lancaster exhibition
View our building’s iconic architecture through a new lens in Amelia Lancaster’s debut solo exhibition.
Runs to Autumn 2024 in the Wolfson Gallery in our foyers.
Browse our bookshop
Browse our unrivalled selection of playtexts and specialist performing arts titles, as well as a carefully curated range of books and exclusive gifts.
Visit us on the South Bank, or:
Peek behind-the-scenes
The Sherling Backstage Walkway offers visitors views into our busy production workshops for set construction and assembly, scenic painting and prop-making.
Entry is completely free, and no booking is required.
Opens:
Monday–Saturday, one hour before performances start in the Dorfman Theatre.
Half-term, 12-17 February 2024
Monday-Wednesday: open from 12pm
Thursday-Friday: open from 6.30pm
Saturday: open from 12pm
Download Bloomberg Connects
Explore behind the scenes at the National Theatre with an exclusive backstage tour or dive into our current exhibitions and learn more about our iconic building. For all this and more, download Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.
Bloomberg Connects provides access to museums, galleries, and cultural spaces around the world anytime through digital guides, content from artists, curators, and experts.
Visit the archive
Find some new creative inspiration, for free
Our Archive holds a treasure trove of material relating to theatre and performance, from props to prompt scripts, photographs to recordings, costume and more.
If that sounds like heaven to you, a visit is free and open to everyone by appointment.