The British Museum

Who we are

With cultures from the dawn of human history to the present day, the British Museum is a museum of the world, for the world.

Founded in 1753, the Museum holds, conserves, researches, exhibits and shares the collection in its care, making it available to the widest possible audience. It is the foremost museum of the history of humanity, where visitors can engage with two million years of cultural achievement.

Our culture and values

The British Museum is unique in bringing together under one roof the cultures of the world, spanning continents and oceans. No other museum is responsible for collections of the same depth and breadth, beauty and significance.

Its eight million objects allow us to explore the extraordinary diversity of human cultures, from small communities to vast empires, to discover the many forms and expressions human beings have given to every aspect of life, and to realise how closely they are interconnected.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

The British Museum is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. We value the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to a Museum which represents world culture. The Museum is committed to ensuring that no job applicant suffers unlawful discrimination because of any protected characteristics. Our recruitment procedures aim to ensure that individuals are treated because of their relevant knowledge, skills and experience.