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Exhibitions and events

20 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.

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
. Sold out .

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

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...

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.

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.

A black textile adorned with a colourful scene, including sitting figures surrounded by trees, a figure shooting an arrow towards the sky, and Hanuman flying through the air carrying a rock, Hanuman (possibly carrying the Mountain of Herbs or Building the Bridge to Lanka), and Hanuman talking to a sage (with two hares below).

Burma to Myanmar
. Book now .

Journeying through 1,500 years of cultural and political change, this exhibition charts a story of trade, faith and empire at the crossroads...

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.

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.

Busy scene of a conference room floor in the middle of an event with various banners and tables set around the edges of the room promoting archaeology-related courses and universities. People can be seen talking amongst each other while carrying backpacks and tote bags and in the middle of the room is a small seating area where a few people can be seen resting.

Festivals & special events / Study days & courses

7 Oct 2023

University Archaeology Day 2023
. Free .

Explore a future in the past at our free annual university taster day featuring university departments, professional bodies and employers.

The face and upper torso of a masculine figure occupies the centre of the frame and is surrounded by an assortment of objects which create a shrine-like appearance. Bronze, silver and gold sports medals hang from the figure's neck as peacock feathers can be seen springing up from behind their shoulders. Decorative metal plaques and frames are also arranged behind the figure, amongst layers of embroidered and fringed fabric along with multiple different kinds of fairy lights.

Lectures & discussions

8 Oct 2023

Remembering Khosrow Hassanzadeh: art, life, friendship
. Free .

Through talks, films and music, celebrate the life and art of the artist Khosrow Hassanzadeh.

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.