diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 005a23491..4c961a584 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -48,6 +48,14 @@ The central object in the `git2r` package is the S4 class
 `git_repository`. The following three methods can instantiate a
 repository; `init`, `repository` and `clone`.
 
+#### Open an existing repository
+
+Use `repository` if you are already working in a git repository.
+
+```
+repo <- repository()
+```
+
 #### Create a new repository
 
 Create a new repository in a temporary directory using `init`