Africa, Oceania and the Americas The collection of the Department of Africa, Oceania and the Americas holds around 350,000 objects.
Asia This department covers the material and visual cultures of Asia – a vast area covering central, east, south and southeast Asia, and Siberia.
Britain, Europe and Prehistory This department is responsible for collections that cover a vast expanse of time.
Egypt and Sudan This department has a collection that offers unique insights into the peoples and cultures of the Nile Valley, from the Palaeolithic to now.
Greece and Rome This department shines a light on the history and culture of the ancient Mediterranean world.
Middle East This department covers the ancient and modern civilisations and cultures of the Middle East from the Neolithic period until the present.
Money and Medals This department houses one of the world's finest numismatic collections, from the origin of coinage in the 7th century BC to today.
Prints and Drawings This department holds one of the world's greatest works on paper collections, from the development of the graphic arts in Europe to today.
Collection Care This department includes collection management, conservation and photography and imaging.
Scientific Research This department combines in-house scientific investigation with Museum priorities.
Human remains Learn how the Museum studies and cares for ancient human remains in the collection that represent diverse cultures from around the world.
Search the collection We have records of over four million objects online for you to explore. What would you like to know more about?
How to borrow British Museum objects The British Museum welcomes requests to lend objects from the collection to exhibitions or displays that are open to the general public.