Hereford Cathedral Logo and link to home page.
Link to Hereford Cathedral home page image
Link to the Tour page.Link to the Mappa Mundi and the Chained Library page.Link to the Services and Worship page.Link to the Restaurant page.Link to the Cathedral Shop page.Link to the Friends of the Hereford Cathedral page.Link to the Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust page.Link to the How To Find Us page.Link to the Contacts page.

The Mappa Mundi & Chained Library Exhibition

Since its official opening by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II on 3 May 1996, the Mappa Mundi and Chained Library Exhibition at Hereford Cathedral has become an internationally acclaimed visitor attraction, entertaining people of all ages and nationalities, many of whom travel great distances specifically to view the unique treasures on display.

Housed within Hereford Cathedral's 15th century south west cloister and the award-winning New Library Building, the exhibition reveals the secrets of Mappa Mundi, the largest and most elaborate complete pre-15th century world map in existence using models, original artefacts and the latest interactive computer technology.

Visitors can also see the world's largest surviving Chained Library containing over 1,500 rare books dating from the 8th to the 19th centuries.

Open throughout the year the Mappa Mundi and Chained Library Exhibition provides full wheelchair access and is committed to achieving the best possible experience for all individuals; we have recently introduced interpretative facilities for the blind and partially sighted as well as visitors from overseas.


Evening tours, educational groups and parties of ten visitors or more can all be booked by contacting our Visits Office.

Opening Hours*
Summer (Easter - October):
Monday - Saturday: 10.00am - 4.15pm (last admission) Sunday: 11.00am - 3.15pm
Winter (November - Easter):
Monday - Saturday : 11.00am - 3.15pm Sunday: Closed

Admission Prices
Adults: £4.50 Concessions: £3.50
Family Ticket: £10.00 (Two adults & three children)
Small Family Ticket: £6.00 (One adult & three children)
* The exhibition is closed during part of January for essential cleaning and conservation work. You are advised to check opening times before your visit.

Copyright © Mappa Mundi 2002


Picture of the Hereford Cathedral