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Exhibitions and events

17 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.

Japanese festival float model teaser 1

Japan’s Festival Floats
. Free .

For centuries, summertime in Japan has centred around spectacular local festivals with costumes, singing, dancing and incredible floats.

A close up photograph of a silver griffin. The griffin has curled horns, a beak and gold details including its wings.

Luxury and power: Persia to Greece
. Book now .

Drawing on dazzling objects, this exhibition explores how luxury shaped the political landscape of Eurasia in the first millennium BC.

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
. Book now .

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

Bust of Ramesses the Great in Room 4

Online events / Lectures & discussions / Members' exclusive

£16 (Members)
12 Jun 2023

Ramesses the Great: Egypt's king of kings
. Book now .

Join acclaimed Egyptologist Toby Wilkinson to explore the life, dramatic reign and enduring legacy of the pharaoh Ramesses the Great.

Detail of gold ornament showing head of lion-griffin.

Lectures & discussions

16 Jun 2023

Persian and Greek arts in the world of the Scythian warriors of Asia
. Book now .

Join archaeologist and Central Asia specialist Henri-Paul Francfort as he explores the art of the Oriental steppe of Eurasia.

Selection of gold, silver and glass tableware, including dishes and drinking vessels.

Lectures & discussions / Study days & courses

£35
18 Jun 2023

Gold, silver and glass from the Middle East to the Eurasian steppe
. Book now .

In this one-day international conference, scientific research will be used to throw new light on the luxury materials of antiquity.

Headshots of Gareth Russell and Philippa Gregory.

Lectures & discussions / Members' exclusive

19 Jun 2023

Philippa Gregory in conversation with Gareth Russell
. Book now .

Gain insight into the bestselling author's latest novel in her spellbinding Fairmile series, which reimagines the tumultuous Stuart period.

Empty view of the Japanese gallery.

23 Jun 2023–28 Jul 2023

The way of tea
. Free .

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

Nine richly decorated gold vessels on a black background.

Lectures & discussions

£8
23 Jun 2023

The Gold of Thrace: the Panagyurishte Treasure
. Book now .

Join us for a talk on the extraordinary Panagyurishte Treasure from Bulgaria, found in its namesake town by three brothers in 1949.

Antioch, group of men resting on the bank of the Orontes River in foreground at left; view of the city in background

Lectures & discussions / Members' exclusive

£16 (Members)
3 Jul 2023

Lost cities of the Mediterranean
. Book now .

Join historian Katherine Pangonis to explore the fate of five of the Mediterranean's most fascinating – and often overlooked – cities.

Slab with cuneiform written on it.

Lectures & discussions / Study days & courses

8 Jul 2023

Medicine in ancient Iraq: healthcare fit for a king
. Book now .

Newly reconstructed texts reveal secrets from the Library of Ashurbanipal. In this study day, expert speakers share new knowledge.