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Exhibitions and events

33 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.

Megumi Mizumura and Sam Taylor standing opposite, washing a large sheet of the Triumphal Arch in a shallow container at a work station

Gallery talks & tours / Members' exclusive

£35 (Members)
21 Sep 2023

Members' Conservation tour
. Book now .

Learn about the work of our expert conservators on the Museum's collection of Western art on paper, in this exclusive visit to the studios.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.