British Museum exhibitions: what to see in 2024?

What is the British Museum famous for?

The British Museum is renowned for its incredible collection of objects on human history and culture, considered to be one of the most important in the world. In fact, over seven million objects from the four corners of the globe are brought together in one place. You can retrace the history of civilisations from all over the world, from their genesis, two million years ago to the present day. It's a real journey through time and space!

The British Museum was founded in 1753. Its imposing Greek-style architecture reflects the importance of the objects it houses. The British Museum also has the largest covered courtyard in Europe. The acquisition of Sir Hans Sloane's immense collection of over 80,000 objects, as well as numerous other acquisitions found, bought, given away or obtained in battles during the 19th and 20th centuries, have greatly contributed to the growth of this collection.

Nevertheless, some objects are controversial in terms of the museum's right to keep them. These include the Benin bronzes, acquired during a conflict in Benin, human remains and Hoa Hakananai'a and Moai Hava, the two Moai, stone statues from Easter Island in Eastern Polynesia.

The British Museum was the first national museum to offer the world a collection covering all aspects of human knowledge.

What to see in the British Museum galleries?

The museum has over 50 galleries, with objects from every continent and period. The most important themes include:

• The gallery of Egyptian sculptures
• Africa
• Europe and Sutton Hoo (a mediaeval archaeological site, originally a cemetery, where many treasures have been found)
• The Roman Empire

There are also other themes that trace human history by zone. You can take a trip around the world, passing through Greece, North America, Mexico, China and South Asia, Europe, the Islamic world, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Korea, Japan and many more.

There are also collections by type of object, such as clocks and watches, Chinese jade, money, paintings and drawings, and Chinese ceramics.

For example, the section dedicated to Egyptian sculptures will take you back 3,000 years, to the time of the pharaohs and hieroglyphics. Here you can meet statues of the pharaohs Ramses II and Amenhotep III, and observe the Rosetta Stone, which has made a major contribution to the understanding of ancient Egypt and the world.

The collections also explore human themes such as love, death, memories and identity.

In any case, this is the perfect museum to visit alone, with friends or as a family, with your children.

What exhibitions are on at the British Museum?

You can discover the permanent collection but also explore the temporary exhibitions, which include special exhibitions, guided tours and events (festivals, readings and performances). Here are 5 exhibitions to see before February 2024.

From 2 November 2023 to 11 February 2024, see the Burma to Myanmar exhibition and discover how the country's fortunes have changed over the last 1,500 years. Remember to book your place. Tickets cost £16 for adults and are free for under-16s.

Until 18 February 2024, discover "Artists making books: poetry to politics" and the impact their words have had on the world. The event is free.

From 5 October 2023 to 15 November 2023, you can see the Admonitions of the Instructress to the Ladies of the Court, a very important work that has marked the history of Chinese painting. Admission is free.

Until 28 January 2024, "The genius of nature" will be on show, featuring botanical drawings by Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues. You can also admire prints by American artist Ed Ruscha, on the theme of "roads and insects". These events are free of charge.

Are visits free?

The entrance to the museum is free. You can discover the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Please note, however, that some temporary exhibitions are chargeable and require booking. Tickets cost £16 and are free for members and visitors under 16.

The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with extended opening on Fridays until 8.30pm. Please note that the last admissions are at 4pm and 7.30pm on Fridays.

How to get to the British Museum?

The museum is located in Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. You can get there by bus via the Green Route, at stop 41 British Museum, with our bus tours.

People with disabilities will be able to access a range of services to make the most of their visit. These include the loan of wheelchairs, priority parking, a visit in sign language (British Sign Language) or quiet opening times, for example. There are many other services to make your visit to the museum as accessible as possible.

To conclude your educational visit, enjoy a nice walk while discovering London with the Tootwalk feature in the Tootbus application. You can choose from 3 guided walks:

- Kensington Gardens

- Royal shopping at St James's

- Architecture and Celebration. You'll pass by the London Eye, St Paul's Cathedral and Borough Market, and this is the one closest to the British Museum.

We hope you enjoy your visit and stay curious!