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Exhibitions and events

34 events

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...

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.

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.

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.

Colourful kimono-like informal gown with a swooping phoenix on the front. Colours are mainly brown, pink, purple and blue.

Members' exclusive

2 Oct 2023

Members' late night viewing of China's hidden century
. Members free .

Enjoy late night access to China's hidden century, exclusive to British Museum Members.

Lectures & discussions / Members' exclusive

2 Oct 2023

Ken Follett: The Armour of Light
. Book now .

Dive into the turbulent 18th century and discover the inspiration behind a powerful tale of revolution from this master storyteller.

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.

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.

Members' exclusive

7 Oct 2023

Members' early morning viewing of China's hidden century
. Members free .

Enjoy early morning access to China's hidden century, exclusive to British Museum Members.

Busy scene of a conference room floor in the middle of an event with various banners and tables set around the edges of the room promoting archaeology-related courses and universities. People can be seen talking amongst each other while carrying backpacks and tote bags and in the middle of the room is a small seating area where a few people can be seen resting.

Festivals & special events / Study days & courses

7 Oct 2023

University Archaeology Day 2023
. Free .

Explore a future in the past at our free annual university taster day featuring university departments, professional bodies and employers.

Ivory chess pieces on a black background with shadow in front

Gallery talks & tours / Members' exclusive

9 Oct 2023 – 16 Oct 2023

Members' welcome tour
. Fully booked .

Explore highlights of the British Museum in this illuminating free 90-minute tour, exclusively for Members.

Watercolour drawing of three stuffed giraffes and a rhinoceros in an ornate room while visitors in period dress tilt their heads back looking up at them.

Gallery talks & tours / Members' exclusive

10 Oct 2023 – 19 Oct 2023

Members' tour of the Archive
. Sold out .

Explore the Archive in this exclusive Members' tour.