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Exhibitions and events

14 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.

£10
24 Sep 2023

1001 Nights
. Sold out .

Egyptian storyteller and performer Chirine El Ansary tells some of the most intriguing episodes from 1001 Nights.

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!

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.

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
6 Oct 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.

Member of staff wearing plastic conservation gloves leaning over a table handling a selection of collection material which rests on tissue paper.

Online events / Lectures & discussions / Members' exclusive

12 Oct 2023

Latin America and the Caribbean at the British Museum
. Online event .

Learn more about the Santo Domingo Centre of Excellence for Latin American Research in this free online talk.

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.

Photograph of three performers on a dimly-lit stage wearing dark clothing; the central figure is knelt down gesturing with a staff while the two performers to their left and right play a large drum and accordion respectively.

£10
22 Oct 2023

Vǫluspá – the Seer's prophecy
. Book now .

Immerse yourself in the power of Viking myth and the epic soundscape of Eddaic poetry in old Norse.

Two children in a dark room stood in front of a large sculpture - the child on the right shines a torch up at the sculpture while gesturing with their arm.

28 Oct 2023 – 29 Oct 2023

British Museum spooktacular sleepover
. Sold out .

Experience the Museum after dark and discover a world of magic, myths and mysterious spells.