White walrus carved chess pieces on a board.

Membership

Become a Member today or purchase the perfect gift for someone special.

Membership allows you to discover two million years of human history while donating to the British Museum Friends, enabling us to support the work of the Museum. From just £69 a year (with discounts for those aged Under 26), Membership makes visits to the Museum a cultural adventure with:

  • Free unlimited entry to exhibitions including The Citi exhibition China's hidden century (until 8 October 2023), Burma to Myanmar (2 November 2023 – 11 February 2024) and a forthcoming show on life in the Roman army.
  • An exclusive programme of Members' events.
  • Use of an exclusive Members' Room.
  • The British Museum Magazine three times a year.
  • And many more benefits.

Members do not need to book for the permanent collection or our exhibitions. You'll need to show your Membership card to gain entry. If you're visiting before your Membership card arrives, on the day of your visit, please bring the confirmation emails of your Membership purchase to the Membership Desk in the Great Court. We'll then issue a temporary card to access your on-site benefits.

We are asking you to support the purchase of an Arago Photogrammetry Rig, which will allow us to capture unprecedented 3D 'multiband' surface-imaging of objects. Please see the Fundraising for Scientific Research page to make a donation.

Read the Membership FAQs page for any queries about your visit, or contact us at friends@britishmuseum.org

Great reasons to join

Enjoy your benefits immediately
As soon as you join, you can begin enjoying the benefits of Membership. Members do not need to book for the permanent collection or our exhibitions. Visit the Membership Desk in the Great Court and show your Membership receipt email and a form of identification for your temporary card to access Membership benefits straight away.

Visit again and again
The British Museum exhibitions are exceptional. As a Member, you can return to each exhibition as many times as you want. Add a guest facility or an additional cardholder to treat someone special and share your passion for the Museum.

Help the British Museum be a museum of the world, for the world
Your Membership fee is a donation to The British Museum Friends which enables us to support the work of the Museum. From loaning objects around the UK and the rest of the world and conducting academic research, the scope of our work couldn't be achieved without additional support. 

Contact the Membership Office

Email: friends@britishmuseum.org
Phone: +44 (0)20 7323 8195

Opening times
Monday–Friday: 10.00–16.00
Closed: weekends and bank holidays

Visit the Membership FAQs for the latest information.