Things to do
Bright ideas to help you make the most of your visit.
![abtt-a-place-for-plays-2578x1450-1-scaled-aspect-ratio-2000-1000 Nationla Theatre building exterior west side with flytowers and terrace balconies.](https://images.nationaltheatre.org.uk/uploads/2023/09/abtt-a-place-for-plays-2578x1450-1-scaled-aspect-ratio-900-900.jpg?resize=900%2C900&gravity)
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.
![Backstage-tour-march-2015-2000x1250-gallery-photo-ludo-des-cognets-sfw A tour guide talking to a tour group in the Olivier theatre auditorium. The tour participants wearing orange high-visibility vests.](https://images.nationaltheatre.org.uk/uploads/2023/07/Backstage-tour-march-2015-2000x1250-gallery-photo-ludo-des-cognets-sfw.jpg?resize=16%2C10&gravity)
Free exhibitions
![The-Reset-Exhibition-Collage](https://images.nationaltheatre.org.uk/uploads/2024/06/The-Reset-Exhibition-Collage.jpg?resize=16%2C10&gravity)
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.
![Reduction-National-Theatre-I-Print-cropped-edge-11-Amelia-Lancaster A near abstract image of the National Theatre building in yellow, red, black and white oblongs.](https://images.nationaltheatre.org.uk/uploads/2023/12/Reduction-National-Theatre-I-Print-cropped-edge-11-Amelia-Lancaster.jpg?resize=16%2C10&gravity)
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.
Watch street theatre
![River-Stage-2023-The-Glory2 A large group of performers in colourful and vibrant outfits performing at an outdoor summer event in the evening. They are surrounded by a large crowd watching.](https://images.nationaltheatre.org.uk/uploads/2024/03/River-Stage-2023-The-Glory2.jpg?resize=16%2C10&gravity)
River Stage 2024
Our summer festival of street theatre returns for 2024.
Enjoy free fun each weekend in July.
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
![Bloomberg-Connects-National-Theatre-1200x675 An image of a hand holding a mobile phone with the Bloomberg Connects app open. The app is showing an exhibition titled 'Explore backstage'](https://images.nationaltheatre.org.uk/uploads/2023/01/BBGC_NationalTheatreLaunchAssets_1200x675_Inside_3.jpg?resize=16%2C10&gravity)
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.
Browse our bookshop
Discover an unrivalled selection of play texts and specialist performing arts titles, as well as a carefully curated range of books and exclusive gifts.
![bookshop_philip_vile_bookself_browsers-2578x1450 Customers browsing in the plays section of the NationalTheatre Bookshop](https://images.nationaltheatre.org.uk/uploads/2022/07/bookshop_philip_vile_bookself_browsers-2578x1450-1-scaled.jpg?resize=16%2C10&gravity)