Please enable JavaScript in your web browser to get the best experience.

Exhibitions and events

12 events

A painted scene of boats packed with people on a dark blue sea full of movement, as if there are large waves. In the background, there is a crowded beach and on the horizon a city-scape lit up in fiery hues, featuring familiar monuments from cities across the world. Ghostly faces loom from deep blue vegetation in the foreground, and in the sky above.

Perilous journeys: reflections on migration
. Free .

Works by contemporary artists reflect on the loss of people and culture through the impact of human trafficking and unsafe migration.

Dark red ants gather in a cluster on a peach-coloured background.

Ed Ruscha: roads and insects
. Free .

From life-sized depictions of insects to rusting road signs and the stretching highway, discover the work of the American artist Ed Ruscha.

A drawing of two apples on a branch, surrounded by deep green leaves

The genius of nature: botanical drawings by Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues
. Free .

Revel in the beauty of nature at this display of works by Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues – one of the most gifted botanical artists of his age...

Three figures and upon an ancient scroll.

Admonitions of the Instructress to the Court Ladies
. Coming soon .

A masterpiece of early Chinese figure painting, from the fifth to seventh century AD, displayed annually at the British Museum.

A star-shaped tile with 12 points, decorated in cobalt blue, black, red, white and gold with stylised peonies.

Gallery talks & tours / Accessible event

22 Sep 2023

Deaf-led BSL tour of the Islamic world from the seventh century to today

Deaf-led BSL tour: the Islamic world from the seventh century to today

£10
24 Sep 2023

1001 Nights
. Sold out .

Egyptian storyteller and performer Chirine El Ansary tells some of the most intriguing episodes from 1001 Nights.

Informal imperial winter robe for a boy emperor, embroidered silk, gold thread and fur. Pattern includes dragons in gold on a yellow background.

Festivals & special events

29 Sep 2023

Mid-Autumn Festival 中秋節
. Free .

Join the Youth Collective as they curate a celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival 中秋節 with music, myths and mooncakes!

Eight vertical pieces of a large framed map lined up next to each other as in the original. The map is light and dark blue.

Accessible event

29 Sep 2023 – 6 Oct 2023

Deaf-led BSL tour of China’s hidden century exhibition
. Book now .

Join Chisato Minamimura for a BSL tour of this exhibition, showcasing the resilience and innovation of 19th-century China.

Photograph of three performers on a dimly-lit stage wearing dark clothing; the central figure is knelt down gesturing with a staff while the two performers to their left and right play a large drum and accordion respectively.

£10
22 Oct 2023

Vǫluspá – the Seer's prophecy
. Book now .

Immerse yourself in the power of Viking myth and the epic soundscape of Eddaic poetry in old Norse.

Two children in a dark room stood in front of a large sculpture - the child on the right shines a torch up at the sculpture while gesturing with their arm.

28 Oct 2023 – 29 Oct 2023

British Museum spooktacular sleepover
. Sold out .

Experience the Museum after dark and discover a world of magic, myths and mysterious spells.

Marble statue of the goddess Artemis of Ephesus against a black background. Artemis wears a headdress, with winged beasts either side, a garland around her neck with signs of the zodiac below. The many globes around her middle may be breasts, eggs, or testes.

£10
19 Nov 2023

The Mighty Goddess
. Book now .

In this compelling performance, Sally Pomme Clayton revitalises goddess power!

Red-figured stamnos pottery showing the ship of Odysseus passing the Sirens. Odysseus is fastened against the bottom of the mast, his head thrown back, looking upwards towards the Sirens. The Sirens are represented as birds with woman's heads.

£10
10 Dec 2023

The Odyssey
. Book now .

Buffeted by the fates, yet helped by the indomitable owl-eyed goddess Athene, Odysseus’ epic voyage is the journey of us all…