Because our collections are so big, not everything is available to view online. You can visit one of our venues in person to see things from the collection and to view films and footage from the archive.
Are you a film student or researcher? Find out how to start your research.
Arrange a visit to view
Find out how you can view archive film, TV and related material in person at one of our venues.
View at a digital terminal
You can watch rare tv and film footage from the archive at the Mediatheque at BFI Southbank. It is free to use and you don’t need to book.
Hire a screening room
You can book a private screening room at our Stephen Street venue in central London to watch film and television from the BFI archive. You can hire out our two 36-seat screening rooms by the hour, day, half-day or evening.
Browse our Distribution Catalogue to see what’s available from the archive for you to hire.
View collections at the BFI library
The archive also contains a large collection of posters, images, publicity material, original scripts, letters and other film artefacts. You can view stuff from this fascinating collection at the Reuben Library on request.
Buy archive material at the BFI shop
Browse our collection of DVDs and Blu-rays at the BFI shop. The collection includes:
- expertly-curated British documentaries
- rarely seen British film and TV
- classics of world cinema