The British Library has opened a major new family exhibition, 'Fairy Tales' (27 March – 23 August), inviting visitors to step inside the magical worlds that have shaped storytelling for centuries.
Designed as an immersive journey, the exhibition blends rare literary treasures with interactive experiences, allowing children and adults alike to explore the origins, evolution and enduring appeal of fairy tales.
From the moment visitors enter, they are transported into a cosy storytelling cottage, evoking the oral traditions that gave birth to many of today’s most beloved tales. Here, early editions and manuscripts reveal how stories were first shared across generations. Highlights include works by Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm, alongside global folk traditions such as the trickster tales of Anansi and the legendary story of Mulan.
The exhibition then leads into a darker, more mysterious setting — a forest filled with iconic heroes and villains. Classic tales like Little Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks and Rapunzel are presented alongside modern reinterpretations, showing how fairy tales continue to evolve. Visitors can explore richly illustrated books, theatrical puppets and even walk through a life-sized gingerbread house inspired by Hansel and Gretel.
In the next section, an enchanted palace showcases the magic at the heart of fairy tales. From spells and curses to enchanted objects, the display features illustrations by renowned artists such as Quentin Blake and Arthur Rackham. Children can interact with magical elements, including a genie’s lamp and bubbling potion displays, bringing fantasy to life in playful ways.
A “far, far away” zone introduces visitors to mythical creatures — from dragons and mermaids to talking animals and shape-shifters. Among the highlights are rare illustrated editions of Beauty and the Beast and manuscripts depicting creatures from Persian legends, offering a global perspective on fantastical storytelling.
The exhibition concludes with a reflective “happily ever after” space, where families can read together and view literary treasures such as the original manuscript of Alice’s Adventures Under Ground by Lewis Carroll. The final section encourages visitors to consider how fairy tales continue to be retold, reshaped and reimagined across generations.
Curator Laura Walker describes the exhibition as a celebration of storytelling’s enduring power, bringing together historic artefacts and modern interpretations. Meanwhile, Rebecca Campbell-Gay, who leads family programmes, emphasises the exhibition’s hands-on approach, designed to make stories tangible and engaging for younger audiences.
Events and public programme
The exhibition is supported by a lively events programme, featuring major literary names such as Philip Pullman and Gregory Maguire. Visitors can also attend storytelling sessions, themed discussions and a special summer event, “A Midsummer Night’s Fairytale,” combining live music, performances and after-hours access.
In collaboration with the BBC’s CBeebies Bedtime Stories, the exhibition includes interactive storytelling experiences for children, including a dedicated reading space featuring the show’s iconic chair.
British Library’s wider cultural role
The 'Fairy Tales' exhibition reflects the broader mission of the British Library as the UK’s national library — not only preserving over 170 million items but also actively engaging the public through exhibitions, education and digital innovation.
Beyond major exhibitions, the Library runs year-round programmes including:
- Literary talks and author events featuring global writers
- Educational workshops for schools and families
- Digitisation projects that make rare manuscripts accessible online
- The Living Knowledge Network, which connects libraries across the UK through shared exhibitions and nationwide initiatives
As part of this network, fairy tale-themed activities and quizzes will also take place in public libraries across the country, extending the exhibition beyond London and into local communities.
A timeless appeal
With its blend of scholarship, creativity and interactivity, *Fairy Tales* highlights why these stories continue to resonate. Whether through ancient manuscripts or modern retellings, the exhibition shows that fairy tales are not relics of the past — but living narratives that continue to inspire imagination today. Photo by Jps3, Wikimedia commons.