British Museum - What's on in September

What’s on September 2014

Here be dragons... This month explore a golden age in China's history in the BP exhibition Ming: 50 years that changed China, opening 18 September. This fascinating exhibition will feature a range of spectacular objects from museums across China and the rest of the world. Also in September, have your say at the first Museum of the future debate on 11 September, listen to Neil MacGregor on Germany or take your kids to a special morning view of the acclaimed exhibition Ancient lives, new discoveries. New major exhibition The BP exhibition Ming: 50 years that changed China 18 Sep 2014 – 5 Jan 2015 ‘The British Museum’s autumn blockbuster’ Financial Times ‘Ming mania’ The Times Discover a golden age in China’s history when the Ming dynasty established Beijing as the capital and built the Forbidden City. China led the world in maritime expansion, absorbing many fascinating influences along the way. The exhibition will feature spectacular objects – including exquisite porcelain, gold, jewellery, furniture, paintings, sculptures and textiles – many of which have never been seen outside China. You can also enjoy a full programme of related events including curator talks, films, evening lectures and family events. Supported by BP #Ming50Years Watch the trailer and book now › Special exhibition Ancient lives, new discoveries Until 30 Nov 2014 This exhibition uses the latest digital technology to bring you face to face with eight people who lived in ancient Egypt and Sudan. Discover new information about each mummy, unravel the mysteries of mummification and gain an insight into their lives. You can also enjoy related events including curator talks and lectures. It’s your last chance to complement your exhibition visit with food and drink offers at the stunning Great Court Restaurant, including a North African-inspired menu or afternoon tea. Sponsored by Julius Baer Technology partner Samsung #8mummies Book now › Mummies (and daddies/carers!) Parents and carers exclusive view of Ancient lives, new discoveries Tue 9 Sep 2014, 10.00–12.00 On this special morning you won’t feel pressured to keep your kids quiet while you explore this fascinating exhibition. You’ll also hear from the Exhibition Curator, who will introduce you to the mummies. You can take your buggy into the exhibition space or leave it in our free buggy park. There will also be baby changing and feeding facilities, as well as space reserved for you to enjoy a complimentary cup of tea or coffee. Adults £10 (under 16s go free) Babies and children of all ages welcome Sponsored by Julius Baer Technology partner Samsung Book now › Sign up to our families enewsletter › New free exhibition Witches and wicked bodies 25 Sep 2014 – 11 Jan 2015 This free exhibition in Room 90 will examine the portrayal of witches and witchcraft in art from the Renaissance to the end of the 19th century. It will feature prints and drawings by artists including Dürer, Goya, Delacroix, Burne-Jones and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, alongside classical Greek vessels and Renaissance maiolica. Efforts to understand and interpret seemingly malevolent deeds have had a place in society since classical antiquity and Biblical times. The majority of those accused and punished for witchcraft have been women. They are shown as monstrous hags with devil-worshipping followers, and represent an inversion of a well-ordered society and the natural world. Free exhibitions and displays Dürer’s paper triumph: the arch of the Emperor Maximilian 11 Sep – 16 Nov 2014 The Asahi Shimbun Displays Between light and screen: the magical world of Turkish shadow theatre Until 28 Sep 2014 Contemporary Japanese prints: Noda Tetsuya’s ‘Diary’ series Until 5 Oct 2014 The other side of the medal: how Germany saw the First World War Until 23 Nov 2014 Pilgrims, healers and wizards: Buddhism and religious practices in Burma and Thailand 2 Oct 2014 – 11 Jan 2015 Museum of the future A living building: how could the British Museum best deliver its constant purpose for a changing public? Thu 11 Sep 2014, 18.30–20.30 This is the first of three debates where we will be discussing big questions about the Museum’s future. The panel will explain what they want and expect from the British Museum in London and explore how the building needs to evolve to make this possible. Introduced by British Museum Director Neil MacGregor Chaired by British Museum Trustee Dame Liz Forgan The panel features: • James Cuno, President and CEO of the J Paul Getty Trust, LA • Sir Nicholas Kenyon, Managing Director of the Barbican • Wim Pijbes, General Director of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam • Bonnie Greer, author and playwright • Antony Gormley, sculptor and British Museum Trustee £5 Members/concessions £3 Find out more and book now › September event highlights Looking backward into the future: Germany’s many pasts Fri 19 Sep, 18.30 Director Neil MacGregor explores the memories which all Germans brought to the reunified Germany in 1990. £5, Members/concessions £3 Inside out: revealing nature’s secrets Fri 26 Sep, 18.30 This lecture will showcase the breakthrough techniques of CT and MRI scans that are opening up new worlds of understanding. £5, Members/concessions £3 Fire in the Blood Sun 28 Sep, 14.00 This film tells the story of the devastating AIDS epidemic in Africa and the incredible efforts of a group of people who fought for access to cheap anti-retroviral medication for the global south. £5, Members/concessions £3