Patrons' events
More to enjoy
Patrons have access to an exclusive programme of events.
These events offer the opportunity to experience the Museum in new, exclusive and exciting ways. Go behind the scenes, learn from our experts and get closer to the collection.
Patrons' exclusive events include:
- Curator-led tours of exhibitions and galleries
- Regular early morning views of exhibitions
- Study room visits and behind-the-scenes tours
- Patrons' Open House
- Patrons' previews of exhibitions and new galleries
- Tailored Museum experiences
- Access to Membership lectures and talks upon request
- The international travel programme
Past Patrons' events
As part of the Patrons programme, we curate an annual calendar of inspiring and exclusive events highlighting the Museum's recent work and the impact Patrons' support makes.
Join us at exhibition and display openings and previews alongside curators. Attend our annual events including Patrons' Open House and the Director's Dinner. Another highlight is our international travel programme, where we visit some of the world's great cultural and historical locations.
Find out more about our past Patrons' events programme:
Past Patrons' events
Patrons' visit to the British Museum Archaeological Research Collection (BM_ARC)
In September 2025, the Patrons had the opportunity to be among the first to see the Museum's new state-of-the-art research facility, BM_ARC. The facility brings together collections from across Museum departments, enabling research across different cultures and time periods. The visit provided the chance to view objects in the study room, alongside a tour of key object stores, including pottery and archaeological assemblages from the Museum collection.
Director's Dinner 2025
In June 2025, British Museum Director Nicholas Cullinan welcomed long-term supporters and new friends to a dinner celebrating the Museum's achievements from the previous year. Held in the splendour of the Great Court, the dinner gave guests the opportunity to see a selection of objects close up, and to hear from architect Lina Ghotmeh about her plans for the Western Range redevelopment.
Patrons' preview of 'Hiroshige: artist of the open road'
During a special evening in April, Patrons were invited to view the critically acclaimed exhibition Hiroshige: artist of the open road before it opened to the public. The first exhibition on Hiroshige to be held at the British Museum, this was a visually stunning portrait of a country about to change forever. Patrons were some of the first to view the exhibition and had the opportunity to tour the exhibition with its Lead Curator, Alfred Haft, and Project Curator, Emily Williams.
Patrons' visit to the Greece and Rome stores
In March 2025, the Patrons went behind the scenes at the Museum to go on a special tour of the Greece and Rome basement stores. Located below the main galleries of the Museum, the Patrons were joined by Greece and Rome curators as they discovered sculptures, marbles and friezes not on public display.
Contact the Patrons office
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0)20 7323 8134
Opening times
Monday to Friday: 09.30–17.00
Weekends and bank holidays: closed