Arched Room, British Museum

Departments

Research facilities

Study rooms
Library and Archive
Collection online

Find out how our Museum departments work with, research and care for the collection.

The work of our curatorial departments is focused on specific parts of the collection, whereas Collection Care and Scientific Research support work across the Museum. On the department pages, you will find information about:

  • How you can access the collection
  • Research facilities available to you
  • Department staff
  • Research and collaboration
  • How we conserve and preserve the collection
  • Publications 
  • Exhibitions 
  • Stories about our work
  • The history of the collection. 
  • BM Dragon

    Asia

    This department covers the material and visual cultures of Asia – a vast area covering central, east, south and southeast Asia, and Siberia.
  • Three chalk drums with carved decoration. The smallest on the left, followed by a medium sized drum in the middle and a large drum on the right.

    Britain, Europe and Prehistory

    This department covers the archaeological, historical and traditional material culture of northern Europe, particularly Britain.
  • Bust of Pharaoh in the Egyptian sculpture gallery, lit up.

    Egypt and Sudan

    This department has a collection that offers unique insights into the peoples and cultures of the Nile Valley, from the Palaeolithic to now.
  • Section of dish with painted river-side scene with figures.

    Greece and Rome

    This department shines a light on the history and culture of the ancient Mediterranean world.
  • Panel of three tiles painted in white blue and brown with figures in a variety of poses, including a woman carrying a baby.

    Middle East

    This department covers the ancient and modern civilisations and cultures of the Middle East from the Neolithic period until the present.
  • Group shot of a collection of coins from the Hoxne hoard, Britain

    Money and Medals

    This department houses one of the world's finest numismatic collections, from the origin of coinage in the 7th century BC to today.
  • image of skyscape over london, watercolours trees in foreground

    Prints and Drawings

    This department holds one of the world's greatest works on paper collections, from the development of the graphic arts in Europe to today.

Across the Museum

  • Three conservators working on a silk painting.

    Collection Care

    This department includes collection management, conservation and photography and imaging.
  • Scientist conducting x-ray imaging on an artefact at work at the Department of Scientific Research

    Scientific Research

    Using a wide range of scientific techniques, this department conducts scientific research to learn about and preserve the collection.
  • A mummy, researcher and CT scanner

    Human remains

    Learn how the Museum studies and cares for ancient human remains in the collection that represent diverse cultures from around the world.

You may also be interested in

  • Detail of the Prints and drawings study room at the British Museum

    Study rooms

    Read about the Museum's study rooms and how you can access them.
  • image of jade terrapin

    Search the collection

    We have records of over four million objects online for you to explore. What would you like to know more about?
  • Visitors examining the Rosetta Stone up close in Room 4 Egyptian Sculpture Gallery

    Galleries

    There are more than 60 free galleries at the British Museum ready to be explored.