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Discover amazing artworks that you can't see elsewhere through our paid temporary exhibitions:

● Original illustrations from Quentin Blake’s archive.

● A collision of ancient myth and internet culture through a unique take on illustration.

● Previously unseen drawings charting the life and relationships of beloved Moomin creator Tove Jansson.

One ticket gets you access to all galleries on the day of your visit.

Our free offer includes the UK’s only illustration Library, public artworks and newly planted gardens plus all-age illustration activities.

Getting here

We are located in Clerkenwell in central London, so the Centre is easy to reach by public transport. There are Tube, train and bus links within walking distance. We also have bike racks available if you would like to cycle.

A gate with 'thank you for visiting above it'
Justin Piperger

Opening hours

The building and exhibitions will be open between 10am and 5pm, Wednesday–Sunday. Last entry to exhibitions will be 4pm.

The path between Myddelton Passage and Amwell Street will be open 9:30am–5:30pm, Wednesday–Sunday.

When we are open on Bank Holidays, we will clearly signpost this.

Festive opening hours 2026

We will be closed between Thursday 24 December and Monday 28 December. We will reopen Tuesday 29 December until Thursday 31 December at 4pm, close on Friday 1 January and open from normal on Saturday 2 January.

Where is the Centre located?

Our address: Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, 1 Myddelton Passage, London EC1R 1AG

What3words: exit.verge.reply

Our nearest train and Tube stations

  • Angel Station (Tube) - approx 7 minutes walk (please note from 2 January 2027, this station will be exit only on the weekends and bank holidays).
  • King’s Cross St. Pancras (Tube and train) - approx 25 minutes walk
  • Farringdon Station (Tube and train) - approx 20 minutes walk

Step-free access: The closest stations with step-free access are King’s Cross St Pancras and Farringdon Station.

Our nearest bus stops

Hardwick Street (19, 38, 341): approx. 6 minutes walk
Pentonville road/Chapel Market (30, 73, 205, 214, 476): approx. 10 minutes walk

Bike access

We kindly ask that cyclists dismount as they pass through the site. Bikes cannot be brought into the building.

Outdoor bike racks are available near Myddelton Gate. Please bring your own bike lock. We store a small number of bike locks that can be borrowed on request but we cannot guarantee availability.

Getting here by car

There are three accessible parking spaces at the Amwell Street end of the Centre.

Please email access@qbcentre.org.uk at least one day in advance to reserve a space and arrange access (we will email you to confirm) or telephone +44 (0)20 8150 7100.

The Centre is in the London Borough of Islington. Blue Badge Parking information is available from Islington Council’s website: Where Blue Badge holders can park in Islington(opens in new window).

Please note that the Centre is located within the Congestion Zone. Routes through Islington can be busier than normal before and after Arsenal matches, and there may be changes to parking restrictions. More information is available here(opens in new window) on Islington Council’s website.

See ticket prices for our special exhibitions below. Please note, we may request evidence of eligibility for concessionary tickets on arrival at the Centre: