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Exhibitions and events

8 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.

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.

3. A carved wooden stool with upturned sides to the seat, inlaid with intricate silver decoration.

Study days & courses

£30
20 Oct 2023

Teaching African and African diaspora history
. Book now .

Join the Museum's Schools team, curators and experts to build knowledge and share best practice through talks, workshops and performances.

Photo of a mechanism used to wind clocks. You can see cogs of the machine, and the metal is grey and painted green in places. Above the mechanism is a sign that says 'Fixed here 1859', and words are visible: Dent, of the Strand and the Royal Exchange, Clockmaker to...'

Lectures & discussions / Research event

2 Nov 2023

Dingwall-Beloe Horological Lecture 2023
. Book now .

Join church and public clock specialist Keith Scobie-Youngs to explore the history of the winding of the Great Clock of Westminster.