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Exhibitions and events

23 events

Abstract composition of snaking, meandering lines and marks in black, bright blue, emerald green, olive green and deep blue.

Art on paper since 1960: the Hamish Parker collection . Free .

This exhibition spans an intriguing range of styles and techniques used in art on paper from 1960 to today.

22 Sep 2022 - 5 Mar 2023

An ancient light brown lintel with Egyptian hieroglyphs on it, including bird figures, a human face and a lion. There is darkness in the corners of the image but light shines illuminating the middle.

Hieroglyphs: unlocking ancient Egypt . Final weeks .

Glimpse into the hidden world of ancient Egypt, through the discovery of the Rosetta Stone which provided the key to decoding hieroglyphs.

13 Oct 2022 - 19 Feb 2023

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.

27 Oct 2022 - 17 Sep 2023

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.

4 May 2023 - 13 Aug 2023

Close up of hieroglyphs inscribed into stone.

Study days & courses

Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs: an introduction for beginners . Sold out .

Gain a foundation in the writing of hieroglyphs in this fascinating four-week course, presented in partnership with City Lit.

£129
27 Jan 2023 - 3 Feb 2023

Detail of fragment of a relief showing archers shooting at a town.

Lectures & discussions / Members' exclusive

The life and death of ancient cities . Book now .

The history of cities is a tale of triumph and tragedy – join Greg Woolf to explore ancient sites from the Bronze Age to Middle Ages.

£16 (Members)
30 Jan 2023

Painting of a bird-headed figure sitting on a seat with next to many columns of hieroglyphs.

Gallery talks & tours / Members' exclusive

Members' tour of Hieroglyphs: unlocking ancient Egypt . Sold out .

Discover the hidden world of ancient Egypt through the decipherment of hieroglyphs in this curator-led tour, exclusively for Members.

£35 (Members)
9 Feb 2023

Close up of hieroglyphs inscribed into stone.

Study days & courses

Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs: continuation course . Book now .

Deepen your knowledge of Egyptian hieroglyphs in this follow-on course with City Lit, held here at the Museum.

£129
10 Feb 2023 - 3 Mar 2023

An ancient light brown lintel with Egyptian hieroglyphs on it, including bird figures, a human face and a lion.

Members' exclusive

Members' late night viewing of Hieroglyphs: unlocking ancient Egypt . Members free .

As a Member, gain exclusive access to our exhibition about the ground-breaking decipherment of Egyptian hieroglyphs.

13 Feb 2023

Colourful painted hieroglyphs on a white background.

Festivals & special events / Family activity

Festival of Hieroglyphs: unlocking ancient Egypt . Free .

This February half-term, come and explore ancient Egypt through a range of activities such as crafts and storytelling.

16 Feb 2023 - 17 Feb 2023

An ancient light brown lintel with Egyptian hieroglyphs on it, including bird figures, a human face and a lion.

Members' exclusive

Members' early morning viewing of Hieroglyphs: unlocking ancient Egypt . Members free .

As a Member, gain exclusive access to our exhibition about the ground-breaking decipherment of Egyptian hieroglyphs.

18 Feb 2023

Colourful print of Kali, wearing a gold crown and a necklace of skulls, sticking out her tongue.

Kali . Book now .

Meet the demon-slaying, life-saving goddess Kali in this enchanting performance by Emily Hennessey and sitar player Sheema Mukherjee.

£10
5 Mar 2023