Britain's What's On Event Guide
Secret Maps at the British Library
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.
Until 18 January 2026 at the British Library.
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.
Until 18 January 2026 at the British Library.
Thu 30 Oct to Sunday 28 December
British Library
96 Euston Rd.
London NW1 2DB
Until 18 January 20269:30am-4:45pm
Tickets £20
Concession and off-peak pricing available.
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