Enjoy chocolate creations, hunt for eggs and test your knowledge...

View this email online

Egg-splore the Museum

GIF of blossoms falling from sakura trees with two figures stood in traditional dress.

Dear Andrew,

Spring represents a time of celebration for many cultures. From celebrating Songkran in Thailand with giant water balloon fights to mark the New Year, to Japan with Hanami celebrations centred on the beautiful cherry blossom trees (sakura). Many cultures enjoy feasts and indulgent meals during this time, so this week we are enjoying some sweet treats!

In this week’s email you can…

? Create Maya chocolate creations
? Bake hot cross buns

And for older Young Friends, why not delve into the history behind sweet treats and discover more about the history of hot chocolate with food historian Tasha Marks.

There are eggs-citing things happening at the Museum too. We are currently taking part in the Big Egg Hunt - make sure to visit before 27 April to see our special egg, inspired by ancient Egypt. The Museum will be busy over Easter so we recommend booking free general admission tickets (please note, adult Members don't need to book). More information can be found on the British Museum website.

Finally, if you missed our announcement about our latest Sleepover, Journey to Japan (7 June), there is still time to secure your tickets. Scroll down to book your place and experience the Museum after dark.

Read on to get involved!

The Young Friends and The Schools and Young Audiences Teams

Activities to try at home

Decorated bowl made for drinking chocolate.

Make Maya chocolate creations

Have a go at making your own sweet treats, worthy of the Maya gods!

Get making

Bake hot cross buns

Hot cross buns were thought to cure illnesses and stop ships from sinking. Why not try baking your own magical buns?

Get baking

Find the connection in the collection!

Put your historical knowledge to the test and answer the age-old question, what came first the chicken or the egg?

Take a look at the images below. Which object from the collection is older? Answers can be found at the end of the email, so no peaking!

Clay vessel shaped like a chicken with orange, red, black and white coloured feathers.

Ostrich egg with warriors engraved on the shell.

Older Young Friends

Ages 14+

Advertisment for Hans Sloane's Milk Chocolate with video play button onlaid.

Historical hot chocolates

Join food historian Tasha Marks and master chocolatier Paul A. Young to learn more about the origins of hot chocolate, from 18th century London to Mesoamerica.

Watch now

Events at the Museum

Large egg sculpture with the Eye of Horus in the Room 4 of the British Museum.

Big Egg Hunt

Have a cracking good time this Easter, and visit our specially designed egg in Room 4 of the British Museum. Lots more eggs are dotted across London so why not do the whole trail!

Until 27 April

Plan your visit

Teddy bears playing with building blocks.

Little Feet

The teddies are off to visit The Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic world. Join for a range of multi-sensory activities across the galleries.

Suitable for under 5s.

Thursday 8 May
10.30–12.00

Find out more

Experience history after hours

Children with torches and headlights in the Nereid Gallery at the British Museum.

British Museum Sleepover

Journey to Japan

Experience the Museum after dark and discover a world of grand dynasties, ancient arts and spiritual tales. Through crafts, workshops and storytelling, immerse yourself in Japan's incredible history as we bring its past to life.

You’ll also get the chance to take part in an exclusive trail across our new exhibition Hiroshige: artist of the open road (1 May – 7 September 2025).

After an action-packed evening, you'll spend the night sleeping in the Egyptian and Assyrian galleries, surrounded by kings and gods from the ancient world. Join us in the morning for breakfast, followed by a special screening of the classic Studio Ghibli film My Neighbour Totoro.

Tickets: £70 per adult/child

Sleepovers are for 8–15-year-olds and their accompanying adults only.

Each child must be accompanied by an adult. Each accompanying adult must also purchase a ticket.

7–8 June 2025, 18.15–09.30

Book now

Celebrate!

Want to learn more about spectacular festivals around the world? Head to the British Museum Shop to learn more about our wonderful range of educational books including Celebrate!

Shop now

Connections answer

The egg came first!

?This ostrich egg is decorated with engravings of warriors. It dates back to the 7th century BC and so is over 2,600 years old!

? This chicken shaped clay vessel was made in Cameroon, Africa in 1994.

Connect with us

Images:

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.

Pottery chocolate-drinking bowl, Naranjo (modern-day Guatemala), AD 250–900.

Water Crane (1845–1915), Hot Cross Buns. Watercolour on paper, 1845–1878.

Chicken-shaped vessel, Cameroon, Africa, 1994.

Ostrich egg vessel carved in low relief with warriors. Italy, 7th century BC.

Trade card for Sir Hans Sloane's Milk Chocolate. Wellcome Collection.

Hayden Kays's ancient Egyptian egg sculpture on display at the British Museum.

Little Feet Teddies at the British Museum.

Sleepover in the Nereid Monument gallery. Photo © Benedict Johnson.

Cover artwork Celebrate! Discover 50 Fantastic Festivals From Around the World.

Contact us
[email protected]

Office opening hours
Monday–Friday: 10.00–16.00
Closed: weekends and bank holiday

The British Museum Friends is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee which exists to support the British Museum.

Registered charity number 1086080
Company registration number 04133346

Unsubscribe from Young Friends emails | Privacy policy