Patron benefits

As a Patron you and your guest will be welcomed by the Director, Neil MacGregor, and Museum curators to explore the rich cultural history gathered within the Museum through the following exclusive Patrons’ events programme:

Museum events

  • Discover more about the Museum’s collection – meet curators and other staff who look after the objects and benefit from their expertise

Exhibitions

  • Private view and champagne reception for all major exhibitions
  • Free entry for two to all special exhibitions
  • Throughout a major exhibition, you and a guest may attend exclusive early morning views every Thursday, from 9.00 – 10.00, before the Museum opens to the public. This event is for the Museum’s VIPs, special Museum friends and Patrons

Exclusive events

  • Invitation for two to the Director’s dinner,held every Spring
  • Invitation to the Patrons’ Prelude – a wonderful ‘taster’ evening which precedes each major opening, with the Director and curators of the exhibition
  • An invitation for you and six of your friends to the Patrons’ open house every Autumn. A lively evening of talks by the Director, curators and special guest speakers accompanied by fine wines and canapés.

Keeping in touch

  • Regular mailings of Museum publications, including the British Museum Magazine offering insightful coverage of current exhibitions and shows
  • Our What’s On guide every two months
  • Quarterly Patrons’ calendar, listing some of the Museum’s highlights for Patrons

Other benefits

  • 10% discount at British Museum shops, cafes, and restaurant *

With an annual donation of £ 2,000 you will help support a wide variety of programmes throughout the Museum and ensure that the collections of the British Museum are accessible to all. This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of the life of the Museum and its vast collections in an intimate and privileged way.

* at the discretion of The British Museum Company