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Exhibitions and events

11 events

Pieces of paper laid out on the floor on top of each other.

Artists making books: poetry to politics
. Free .

This intriguing new show explores the history of artists taking on the medium of books.

Ink and colour picture showing the head and shoulders of an elderly Chinese woman with her hair tied back. She is wearing green earings and a blue jacket decorated with gold leaves around the neck.

China’s hidden century
. Final weeks .

In a global first, the resilience and innovation of 19th-century China is revealed through the stories of its remarkable individuals.

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 black textile adorned with a colourful scene, including sitting figures surrounded by trees, a figure shooting an arrow towards the sky, and Hanuman flying through the air carrying a rock, Hanuman (possibly carrying the Mountain of Herbs or Building the Bridge to Lanka), and Hanuman talking to a sage (with two hares below).

Burma to Myanmar
. Book now .

Journeying through 1,500 years of cultural and political change, this exhibition charts a story of trade, faith and empire at the crossroads...

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.

Circular page decorated with two separate designs which appears to have discoloured slightly with age. The design on the top half takes the shape of a fan and shows figures draped in fabric sat in a country scene with Chinese characters written above. The design on the bottom half is comprised of three monochromatic rectangular panels - the central panel depicts a vessel while the two panels on either side contain elaborate calligraphy.

Study days & courses

£129
6 Oct 2023 – 13 Oct 2023

An introduction to Mandarin Chinese

Join this introductory four-week course and learn the basics of Mandarin Chinese using objects and inscriptions in the British Museum.

3. A carved wooden stool with upturned sides to the seat, inlaid with intricate silver decoration.

Study days & courses

£30
20 Oct 2023

Teaching African and African diaspora history
. Book now .

Join the Museum's Schools team, curators and experts to build knowledge and share best practice through talks, workshops and performances.

Print showing a semi-circular scene depicting soldiers attacking towns people.

Film / Members' exclusive

£28 (Members)
21 Oct 2023

Behind the screens: '300'
. Book now .

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of cinema and historical discussion with a special screening of the 2006 smash hit '300'.