Thursday 18 December 2014

British Museum - What's on for families this winter


What’s on for families at the British Museum


Christmas holidays

This month the Museum takes a starring role in the film Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, which was filmed on location at the British Museum, and is in cinemas from 19 December. To celebrate the release, you can explore the Museum with this new free app. This Christmas break there’s so much to enjoy at the Museum including special exhibitions and events. Under 16s go free to all exhibitions and kids also eat free in our Gallery Café. Plus, be inspired by German street art in our holiday drop-in activities in the Samsung Centre. The Museum is closed 24–26 December and 1 January. Find out more about planning your visit to the Museum including the huge range of free trails and backpacks available at the Families Desk in the Great Court.

Special exhibitions

Under 16s go free to all of the Museum’s special exhibitions but require you to book a free ticket. Family exhibition guides are available, full of fun ways to explore.
Explore a golden age in China’s history when the Ming dynasty emperors sent ships as far as India, Arabia and East Africa. Many of the spectacular objects on display have only been excavated in the past ten years and have never been seen outside China.
Supported by BP
Now extended until 19 Apr 2015
Using the latest technology, this exhibition reveals hidden secrets to build up a picture of the lives of eight people who lived in ancient Egypt and Sudan.
Sponsored by Julius Baer
Technology partner Samsung
Until 25 Jan 2015
This exhibition examines 600 years of German history in the context of the fall of the Berlin Wall – from art by Dürer and Baselitz to Meissen porcelain, Bauhaus design and even a VW Beetle!
Sponsored by Betsy and Jack Ryan


20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30 & 31 Dec
2, 3 & 4 Jan, 11.00–16.00
Be inspired by German art and design in this digital workshop and create your own ‘street art’ – a piece of digital graffiti or design your own VW Beetle. Suitable for ages 5+
Free, just drop in
Sat 10 Jan, 11.00–16.00
Use mobile devices to explore the Egyptian galleries and learn more about preparing for the afterlife. Can you collect everything you need for the perfect afterlife?
Free, just drop in
You can enjoy free workshops for families and young people every weekend in the Samsung Digital Discovery Centre.
Under 5s and their parents and carers can discover the Museum’s collection together through playful and multisensory activities.
Thu 29 Jan, 12.30–14.00
Come and join us for a gallery based session all about Korea. A relaxed chance for under 5s and their carers to explore, touch, listen to, look at and smell Korean culture. Stay for as long as you want as we investigate bowls, scrolls and boxes!
Free, just drop in
With this new under 5s backpack, take Alfred the lion on a trip around the Museum, discover and explore using light, colours, sound and texture. The backpack can be used in any area of the Museum so you can create your own unique adventure.
Available free from the Families Desk in the Great Court (weekends and Camden school holidays 10.30–15.00).