Facilities and services
Centre for Anthropology
The Centre for Anthropology is located near
the north entrance to the Museum and is home to the
Anthropology Library, as well as offering access to information
about ethnographic collections and an
object identification service.
All levels of enquiries are welcome.
Anthropology Library
The library contains more than 120,000 volumes
and 4,000 journal titles, as well as a Pictorial Collection of over
150,000 items. It also incorporates the library of the Royal
Anthropological Institute (RAI).
Opening hours (from Monday 1 June 2009):
10.00–17.00, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
12.00–17.00, Thursday
Closed: weekends, Bank Holidays and 24 December – 1 January
Collections enquiries
Access is available to copies of object
accession registers, the digitised collection database and
reference photographs of objects. Access to further archival
material can be arranged by appointment.
Other services:
- Object
identification
If available, specialist curators will
provide opinions (but not valuations) on individual pieces or small
collections. It is advisable to contact us in advance and send an
image if possible. It is not possible to leave objects with us
- Ordering
photography
Orders can be placed for existing images
at www.bmimages.com and
reference images may be viewed
- Visiting reserve
collections
Make appointments to view selected
material at our main store or textile store, subject to
availability of staff
Please note: there is high demand for visits to
the Oceania collections. We can only consider requests made a
minimum of one month in advance.
- General anthropological or
departmental enquiries
Where possible staff can
provide information or advice on other museums or institutions
which may be of interest or able to give more information on
anthropological topics, as well as relevant exhibitions or
events in the Museum.
Opening hours (from Monday 1 June
2009):
10.00–12.00 (by appointment only),
13.00–17.00, Monday to Friday
Closed, weekends, Bank holidays and 24 December to 1 January
Security:
All visitors are required to register and produce
identification, as well as leave coats, bags and umbrellas in
the Museum's cloakrooms.
Staff may also ask to inspect books, folders etc
when visitors leave.
Contact the Centre for Anthropology
Library:
+44 (0)20 7323 8031
anthropologylibrary@britishmuseum.org
Collections enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7323 8041
aoa@britishmuseum.org
Centre for Anthropology
British Museum
Great Russell Street
London WC1B 3DG