Established using public funds in 1753, the British Museum is an iconic London building which houses many antiquities dedicated to human history, culture and art.
Home to many famous artefacts including the Magna Carta and Rosetta Stone, the permanent collection houses around eight million pieces of work, but there’s also a calendar of new and engaging exhibitions to suit all interests.
Let’s look at some of the new things to see and do during your next stay at the Montcalm London Marble Arch.
I object: Ian Hislop’s search for dissent
Available until the end of January, Private Eye Editor Ian Hislop has been given access to the British Museum archives and collections to uncover a range of intriguing objects that explore the idea of dissent, subversion and satire.
From graffiti on a Babylonian brick to a banknote with hidden rude words, discover the stories behind these historical items for yourself.
The British Museum is located just twelve minutes away from The Montcalm London Marble Arch by Tube, so it’s a great place to visit for a full day or just a few hours.
I am Ashurbanipal: king of the world, king of Assyria
Once the most powerful man on earth, King Ashurbanipal of Assyria (r. 669–c. 631 BC) marked the high point of the Assyrian empire, which stretched from the shores of the eastern Mediterranean to the mountains of western Iran.
View a range of surviving artefacts and discover more about his reign and death – something that has been shrouded in mystery for hundreds of years at this new exhibition, open until the 24th February 2019.
If all this history is giving you an appetite, then you can always head back to your hotel for a Montcalm Marble Arch afternoon tea before returning later on to see what else the museum has to offer.
Reimagining Captain Cook: Pacific perspectives
Once you’ve enjoyed your Montcalm Marble Arch afternoon tea, head back to the museum to experience a new perspective on Captain Cook’s expedition to the Pacific Ocean.
Taking a new viewpoint, this exhibition includes artwork from Pacific artists as well as a great collection of objects from the expedition along with a number of interactive displays.
There’s also an incredibly conserved Tahitian costume worn at ceremonies to mark the death of a chief that hasn’t been on display for decades, so it’s definitely worth a visit to the British Museum the next time you stay at The Montcalm London Marble Arch.
New acquisitions: Gozzoli to Kara Walker
The British Museum has amassed an extensive collection of objects and artworks donated over the years, so in this never before seen collection, you can view serval of the pieces that have been bequeathed or given to the museum over the last five years.
Displaying the works of iconic artists including Georg Baselitz, David Hockney, Jasper Johns, Pablo Picasso and Bridget Riley, this collection of over 150 prints is a must-see during your visit.
