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Exhibitions and events

25 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.

A close up photograph of a woman wearing a blue dress underwater, with the sun on her face and her eyes closed.

£10
11 Jun 2023

Dauntless – Grace O'Malley, Pirate Queen
. Book now .

Debs Newbold gleefully delivers the boisterous, remarkable and inspirational story of her hero: Grainne ni Mhaille – Grace O'Malley.

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.

View from the side showing the head and shoulders of a toddler looking through a red-framed magnifying glass.

Family activity

13 Jun 2023

Little Feet: exhibition explorer
. Free .

Explore our special exhibition 'Luxury and power: Persia to Greece' and take part in fun activities in this session for under 5s.

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.

Literary season: historical fiction 2023

Lectures & discussions / Members' exclusive

19 Jun 2023–2 Oct 2023

Literary season: historical fiction
. Book now .

From Pompeii's streets to medieval French battlefields, explore the world of historical fiction in our first Members Literary season.

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.

A close up of traditional Bulgarian costumes in red and blue with lace and embroidery detail.

23 Jun 2023

Celebrating traditional Bulgarian culture
. Free .

Join the London Bulgarian Choir and Folklore Ensemble Bulgaria – London for a free performance celebrating the country's cultural heritage.