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Exhibitions and events

35 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.

Lectures & discussions / Members' exclusive

22 Sep 2023

Rebel emperors of Roman Britain
. Book now .

Join Sam Moorhead to investigate Carausius and Allectus, the fascinating story of two men who successfully ruled in the late third century.

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

Decorative foldable fan with a white background and colourful floral decoration and an outdoor scene.

Gallery talks & tours / Members' exclusive

£35 (Members)
26 Sep 2023

Members' tour of China's hidden century
. Sold out .

Join us for a Member's exclusive private curator-led tour of China's hidden century.

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.

Literary season: historical fiction 2023

Lectures & discussions / Members' exclusive

2 Oct 2023

Literary season: historical fiction
. Book now .

From Pompeii's streets to medieval French battlefields, explore the world of historical fiction in our first Members Literary season.

Online events / Lectures & discussions

4 Oct 2023

The story of Chinese food with Fuchsia Dunlop
. Online event .

Join award-winning food writer and cook Fuchsia Dunlop as she explores Chinese culinary culture.