Ancient India: living traditions

Opens 22 May

Discover the origins of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist sacred art in the nature spirits of ancient India – and how these traditions live on 2,000 years later.

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Sacred signs unveiled

Curator's blog

Exhibition curator, Sushma Jansari, examines the ancient Indian origins of the sacred art of Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism.

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Animated gif of a woodblock print showing figures outside and falling blossom.

Hiroshige: artist of the open road

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Born during an unsettled time in Japan's history, Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858) captured life in a country about to change forever.

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Supported by
Zemen Paulos and Jack Ryan

Hiroshige Friday late

16 May, 18.00–20.00

Make your own Japanese woodblock print, watch a traditional tea ceremony and learn about the latest scientific research into Hiroshige's prints.

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General admission

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Butterfly necklace hanging off stag ornament from the British Museum shop.

Animals and nature

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Wildly beautiful jewellery? Nature-inspired ornaments? Find the perfect spring gifts at the British Museum shop.

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The Return screening

Special preview

Ralph Fiennes stars as Odysseus, fighting to reclaim his life after war. Visit our Instagram story highlights for a chance to win tickets to a special preview screening of The Return, followed by a discussion with Fiennes, broadcast live to cinemas nationwide.

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Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche in 'The Return' film still.

From our friends

Horniman Museum: Out of Context

A display of contemporary artworks challenging perceptions of West African cultural practices, curated by Yellowzine. Includes photography, illustrations and AI explorations. Until 30 Nov 2025. Free entry. Find out more.

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Images:

Gajalakshmi (the goddess of good fortune). Gouache painting on paper, India, about 1780.

Vishnu in the form of Matsya. Gouache painting on paper, India, 1800s.

Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858), Plum Garden at Sugita. Colour-woodblock print, 1851–52. Gift from the collection of Alan Medaugh. Photo © Alan Medaugh, photography by Matsuba Ryōko.

Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858), Cherry Blossoms on a Moonless Night Along the Sumida River. Colour-woodblock print triptych, 1847–48. Gift from the collection of Alan Medaugh. Photo © Alan Medaugh, photography by Matsuba Ryōko.

Gold Bimaran reliquary casket, Afghanistan, about AD 100.

Visitor inside in Rooms 62–63.

Butterfly necklace hanging from stag ornament from the British Museum shop.

Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche in 'The Return'. Photo © Modern Films.

© 2025 The Trustees of the British Museum