'Fairy Tales'
At: British Library, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB
27 March 2026 - 23 August 2026
More info: https://events.bl.uk/exhibitions/fairy-tales
Opening 27 March at the British Library, Fairy Tales celebrates the iconic heroes, villains and fantastical creatures that populate the captivating worlds of fairy tales. Young children and their families will travel through a mysterious forest and an enchanting palace to discover the characters, creatures and ideas that shape magical stories and their retellings.
From encounters with powerful spells and curses, to the iconic heroes and villains from across storytelling cultures, Fairy Tales will encourage children and their parents or carers to explore the wonders of the fairy tale world.
On their epic adventure through dark woods, a royal palace, and on into a 'far far away land', families will be introduced to a wealth of stories told through books, manuscripts and original artwork.
Highlights include a copy of Cinderella illustrated by Arthur Rackham, reproductions of Disney sketches and concept artwork, and an illustration of 'The Fairy at the Well'' by
Quentin Blake from the Contes of Charles Perrault; alongside a copy of The Fisherman and his Wife by Eric Carle, creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
While exploring fairy tale magic, children and their families will also come across interactive magical objects, including witches’ potions and a genie’s lamp.
The exhibition finishes with a ‘Happily ever after’ inspired ending, where families can read
through their favourite stories together,
To celebrate Fairy Tales and the joy of children’s literature, the British Library will partner with the BBC on a series of CBeebies Bedtime Stories activities. For the duration of the
exhibition, Fairy Tales will host the iconic CBeebies Bedtime Stories chair. In partnership
with the British Library’s Living Knowledge Network, the BBC will also bring their CBeebies Bedtime Stories read and rave events to libraries nationwide.
Fairy Tales will be open from 27 March 2026 – 23 August 2026. The exhibition has been
made possible with support from Wayland Games. For more info and to book tickets, visit: https://events.bl.uk/exhibitions/fairy-tales
From encounters with powerful spells and curses, to the iconic heroes and villains from across storytelling cultures, Fairy Tales will encourage children and their parents or carers to explore the wonders of the fairy tale world.
On their epic adventure through dark woods, a royal palace, and on into a 'far far away land', families will be introduced to a wealth of stories told through books, manuscripts and original artwork.
Highlights include a copy of Cinderella illustrated by Arthur Rackham, reproductions of Disney sketches and concept artwork, and an illustration of 'The Fairy at the Well'' by
Quentin Blake from the Contes of Charles Perrault; alongside a copy of The Fisherman and his Wife by Eric Carle, creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
While exploring fairy tale magic, children and their families will also come across interactive magical objects, including witches’ potions and a genie’s lamp.
The exhibition finishes with a ‘Happily ever after’ inspired ending, where families can read
through their favourite stories together,
To celebrate Fairy Tales and the joy of children’s literature, the British Library will partner with the BBC on a series of CBeebies Bedtime Stories activities. For the duration of the
exhibition, Fairy Tales will host the iconic CBeebies Bedtime Stories chair. In partnership
with the British Library’s Living Knowledge Network, the BBC will also bring their CBeebies Bedtime Stories read and rave events to libraries nationwide.
Fairy Tales will be open from 27 March 2026 – 23 August 2026. The exhibition has been
made possible with support from Wayland Games. For more info and to book tickets, visit: https://events.bl.uk/exhibitions/fairy-tales