Exhibitions and events | Adult | British Museum

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49 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.

Bust of Pharaoh in the Egyptian sculpture gallery, lit up.

Gallery talks & tours

£33
21 Sep 2023 – 10 Dec 2023

Out-of-hours tour: an introduction to ancient Egypt
. Book now .

Discover the fascinating history of ancient Egypt and see statues of kings and gods, the Rosetta Stone and more in this special guided tour

Small groups of children and adults looking in display cases in the Enlightenment gallery.

Gallery talks & tours

£33
22 Sep 2023 – 22 Dec 2023

Out-of-hours tour: an introduction to the British Museum
. Book now .

Explore the oldest room in the Museum in this special guided tour before the galleries open to the public.

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.

Empty view of the Japanese gallery.

22 Sep 2023 – 26 Apr 2024

The way of tea
. Free .

Discover the history of tea drinking and gathering in Japan in this free demonstration of a Japanese tea ceremony.

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
22 Sep 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.

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

View of the Sir Joseph Hotung Gallery of China and South Asia, Room 33.

Gallery talks & tours

£33
21 Sep 2023 – 9 Dec 2023

Out-of-hours tour: an introduction to China
. Book now .

Journey through the extraordinary cultures of China in this special guided tour.

A large marble Greek temple front with three human figures.

Gallery talks & tours

£33
22 Sep 2023 – 10 Dec 2023

Out-of-hours tour: an introduction to the ancient Greek world
. Book now .

Embark on a guided journey through the ancient Greek world; from the rise of the Greek city states to the empire of Alexander the Great.