Volunteers at the British Museum
Hands On desks
At the Hands On desks, visitors have a unique opportunity to
handle objects from the collection. Volunteers facilitate the
handling process, answer questions about specific objects and the
Museum's collection.
This is a popular actvity with our visitors and is particularly
appealing to families. Desks are open seven days a week between
11.00 and 16.00.
Training is provided for all volunteers. After completing
the training we would like you to be able to commit to a minimum of
one half day every two weeks, for a minimum of six months.
eyeOpener tours
The eyeOpener tours, given by volunteers, are designed to
introduce the visitors to parts of the collection. They are given
seven days a week and last for 30 to 40 minutes.
Training is provided for all volunteers and can last up to 12
weeks. After completing an assessment we would like you to be able
to commit to taking at least one tour every two weeks, for a
minimum of six months.
Events
Volunteers help out with various Museum events stewarding,
taking tickets and helping staff with the general running of an
event. Events happen during the day as well as in the evening
and take place on week days and weekends.
Schools programme
Volunteers meet and greet school groups and help out with the
smooth running of the schools programme.
Gallery talk facilitators
Volunteers facilitate the lunchtime gallery talks given by the
Museum’s curators.
Young Friends of the British Museum sleepovers
Sleepovers are held at least four times a year on weekends
for members of the British Museum Young Friends. They enable both
the young friends and their families to engage with the Museum and
to learn from the collection whilst exploring the Museum at
night.
Volunteers help with the running of various events at the
sleepovers by ushering, answering queries, guiding groups, and
assisting the events coordinator and activity leaders.