Departments

The collection of the Department of Africa, Oceania and the Americas holds around 350,000 objects.

The Department of Asia covers the material and visual cultures of Asia.

This department is responsible for collections that cover a vast expanse of time.

Representing the cultures of the Nile Valley, from 10,000 BC to the 12th century AD.

This department shines a light on the history and culture of the ancient Mediterranean world.

The Department of the Middle East covers the ancient and contemporary civilisations and cultures of the Middle East.

The Department of Money and Medals is home to one of the world's finest numismatic collections.

This department holds one of the world's greatest works on paper collections.

This department includes collection management, conservation and photography and imaging.

This department combines in-house scientific investigation with Museum priorities.

A unique record of the varied ways different societies have conceived of death and disposed of the remains of the dead.

Read about the Museum's study rooms and how you can access them.

We have records of over four million objects online for you to explore. What would you like to know more about?

The British Museum welcomes requests to lend objects from the collection to exhibitions or displays that are open to the general public.

There are more than 60 free galleries at the British Museum ready to be explored.