Special Events

Special Events

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  'Disaster in the loveliest of lands': readings from Pompeii and Herculaneum

  Saturday 1 June 2013, 14.00-15.00
  Stevenson Lecture Theatre
  Free, booking essential
  
  Come and listen to a series of dramatic readings charting the story of daily life for the people living in the Bay of Naples in AD 79. Accompanied by illustrative images from the exhibition, the readings are taken from contemporary sources, bringing us closer to the reality of life in Pompeii and Herculaneum. Listening to those lost voices makes the dramatic climax of Pliny’s account of Vesuvius’ eruption all the more resonant.
  
  Please arrive punctually to guarantee admission 

  
  

  Book now

• 

  Highlights Tour: around the world in 90 minutes

  Every Saturday and Sunday, 11.30 and 14.00
  Tours commence at the Information Desk
  £12 per person, children under 12 with an accompanying adult free
  
  Explore the British Museum’s most famous treasures with an illuminating 90-minute guided tour. Discover the Rosetta Stone, the Lewis Chessmen and the Parthenon sculptures, as well as some lesser-known but fascinating objects, with expert guidance that will take you to the heart of the Museum’s collection.
  
  The tour is for adults, but children under 12 are free (when accompanied by an adult). The tour will visit a number of galleries on different floors of the Museum and involves a lot of walking. 

  
  

  Book now

• 

  Iranian election 2013: questions of national identity

  Friday 7 June 2013, 18.30-19.30
  BP Lecture Theatre
  £5, Members/concessions £3
  
  On the eve of the Iranian Presidential election, this event focuses on the significance and power of Iran’s cultural heritage and how heritage reflects a nation’s identities in a variety of ways. In Iran, this became apparent during the ‘Green revolution’ protests following the 2009 election. Four years on, this panel discussion, chaired by Professor Ali Ansari, University of St Andrews, will consider the country’s unique cultural traditions, contemporary artistic concerns in Iran, and wider events in the Middle East since 2009.
  
  This event is part of Behind the headlines, a series of occasional events at the British Museum exploring the cultural context behind news stories from across the world, looking closely at objects from the Museum’s collection.
  
  Please arrive punctually to guarantee admission 

  
  

  Book now

• 

  Parents' morning view of Life and death in Pompeii and Herculaneum

  Tuesday 21 May 2013, 10.30-13.00
  RRR
  Adults £12.50, Under 16 children free
  
  The British Museum has joined forces with Mumsnet Academy to offer a dedicated time to visit the major exhibition Life and death in Pompeii and Herculaneum with your children.
  
  On this exclusive morning on Tuesday 21 May, you won’t feel pressured to keep your kids quiet, you can meet other parents who want to experience a bit of culture, and you’ll have the time to see the blockbuster show that everyone’s talking about! You’ll also be able to hear from the Exhibition Curator and soak up the atmosphere of one of the world’s finest museums.
  
  On the day, there will be a free buggy park, but you can also take your buggy into the exhibition space. There will be baby changing and feeding facilities and the café space will be reserved for you. You are more than welcome to feed babies in the Museum, and there are some private rooms for feeding if you prefer. You’ll also get a complimentary cup of tea or coffee on arrival, and the café will be open throughout the day if you need to buy snacks or drinks. If you have any queries about the morning, or the Museum in general, email marketing@britishmuseum.org
  
  For more tips on visiting the Museum and the exhibition, and how to get here, have a look at the 'Visiting' page
  
  Adult tickets for this special morning are £12.50 each (normal price £15), children under 16 are free.
  Booking is essential.  

  
  

  Book now