Current and upcoming British Museum exhibitions (2026)

The British Museum’s 2026 exhibitions are likely to be some of the most popular in its history, and it’s mainly all thanks to the loan of the Bayeux Tapestry which will arrive in the autumn. 

But there are also major exhibitions planned on the history of Japanese Samurai, as well as a fascinating look at the artistry and culture of Hawai'i. And with dozens of free displays throughout the year, and an 8-million strong collection, what’s on at the British Museum is a question on everyone’s lips.

And don’t just take my word for it, as I write this future exhibition guide in December 2025, take the word of the museum’s Chair George Osborne. “2026 is going to be the biggest year in the museum’s 273-year history” he recently told the Sunday Times newspaper. “With the Bayeux Tapestry arriving in [the] autumn we could potentially get seven and a half million visitors during the year.” If so, it would certainly mark a major reversal of the turmoil at the British Museum of recent years.

The British Museum building

So here’s my guide that will help you navigate what’s on right now and what’s coming soon at the British Museum in London. Updated regularly, it’s your go-to for planning a trip to one of the world’s most-popular cultural destinations.

Quick links for the 2026 British Museum exhibitions:

• Exhibitions open now at the British Museum

• Upcoming British Museum exhibitions

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Exhibitions open now at the British Museum

Nordic noir: works on paper from Edvard Munch to Mamma Andersson

Discover the haunting beauty of contemporary Nordic art, in this free exhibition of over 150 prints and drawings by 100 artists from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Running until 22 March 2026, Nordic noir: works on paper from Edvard Munch to Mamma Andersson has as its main focus nature and the vital urgency to preserve the fjords, mountains and forests unique to the Nordic region. Other themes include the world of Norse myth, struggles with mental health and political issues such as feminism or the rights of the Indigenous Sámi people. Many of the works on paper have been acquired by the museum over the past five years.

Nordic Noir at the British Museum © Trustees of the British Museum

Sufi: life and art

This small free display explores Sufi life and art through a selection of objects that represent Sufi communities in the Middle East, North and Sub-Saharan Africa, and northern India. Sufi is a mystical movement, which first appeared in the Islamic world during the eighth century AD, and has been defined as a pathway to a personal experience with God. On show until 26 July 2026, Sufi life and art displays objects from the British Museum’s collection, including alligraphic works, miniature paintings and wall tiles. The display is part of the larger Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic world.

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Upcoming British Museum exhibitions

Hawaiʻi: a kingdom crossing oceans

This is being billed as a “bold” new exhibition, which will shine a light on the compelling history of Hawaiʻi and its long-standing ties with the UK. Hawaiʻi: a kingdom crossing oceans commemorates a visit to London of Hawai'i’s King and Queen in 1826, and visitors will see 150 extraordinary objects and artworks, many of which will be on display in Britain for the first time. Among the highlights is a magnificent ʻahu ʻula (feathered cloak) sent in 1810 by the first king of unified Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha I, to King George III. It's the largest known example of its kind and it’s the first time it’s been shown in over 100 years. The exhibition runs from 15 January to 25 May 2026.

Mahiole hulu manu (feathered helmet) © The Trustees of the British Museum

Samurai

Prepared to have some myths busted in this major exhibition exploring the reality of Japan’s armour-clad warriors over the past 1,000 years. Samurai — which runs from 03 February until 04 May 2026 — will bring around 280 items together, many of which will be on display for the very first time. Highlights include an exquisite suit of samurai armour, newly acquired by the British Museum, and a rare portrait of a 13-year-old samurai who led an embassy to the Vatican in 1582. As the first ever show to explore how the Samurai image and myth was created, there’ll also be contemporary pieces that range from a Louis Vuitton outfit inspired by Japanese armour, to the popular video game Assassin’s Creed: Shadows.

Suit of armour and helmet, 1519 (helmet) 1696 (armour) and 1800s (textiles) © The Trustees of the British Museum

The Bayeux Tapestry

The Bayeux Tapestry exhibition needs no introduction — it will undoubtedly be the most popular and significant exhibition held in the UK this century. The "extraordinary" loan of the Bayeux Tapestry back to Britain for the first time since it was created nearly 1,000 years ago has already become a huge sensation ever since the news was announced as part of French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to the UK in July 2025. We know little else of what will be included, but who needs more when you have the entire 70-metre Tapestry on show, a piece that depicts the 1066 Norman conquest and the Battle of Hastings. Dates of this show are still to be confirmed, but it's expected to open in September 2026.

Bayeux Tapestry © Bayeux Museum

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the British Museum's 2026 exhibitions

Q: Are the British Museum’s exhibitions free in 2026?

For special exhibitions you will need to buy a ticket. These include the Hawaiʻi, Samurai and Bayeux Tapestry shows. But general admission to the museum’s permanent collection remains free for everyone. Some displays — including Nordic noir and Sufi: life and art are also free to see.

Q: Do I need to book tickets in advance?

For these 2026 blockbusters, advance booking is highly recommended. Tickets for Hawai'i and Samurai are available to pre-book now. For the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition, you will absolutely need to book in advance. And do this as soon as tickets on go on sale, demand will be unprecedented.

Q: What time are the British Museum exhibitions open?

Special exhibitions are open daily 10.00 – 17.00 (last entry at 16.45) and on Fridays until 20.30 (last entry at 20.15). Staff begin clearing galleries 10 minutes before they close. For the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition, opening hours are yet to be announced. Due to its expected popularity, it’s likely special additional hours will be in place at times.

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