Visit Report

30th October 2023

Week 6 - The Enhancement Week Activity

Group 2 – The Dreamer

Prepared By:

Amrita Dhawan Puneet Sharma

Aastha Bhartia Rishi Nagpal
Anish Jaiswal Vishal Tailor
Naman Jain
Introduction
We visited the British Museum on 30th October 2023, Monday in the time slot of 11
am, the tickets were pre-booked online and shared with everyone by mail. We had
also planned the visit of galleries and had an idea about where to start from and how
to utilize the time and opportunity effectively. We gathered there as per time and
started our journey.
So, a short brief about The British Museum, established in 1753 and opened in 1759,
is a globally renowned institution located in London. It serves as a collection of diverse
artifacts from around the world, emphasizing the preservation, organisation, research,
and exhibition of these cultural treasures. Housed in a monumental Greek Revival-
style building in Bloomsbury, it owns a vast collection exceeding 8 million works, being
a span of over two million years of human history. The museum is committed to
promoting insight into the history and culture of humanity, with a focus on accessibility
and educational resources. It plays a leading role in both scholarly research and public
engagement, making it a vital institution for those interested in exploring the richness
of global heritage.
Asia

The British Museum in London offers a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of
Asian culture and history, showcasing an array of artifacts that span the breadth of the
continent. Notable among the collection is the Dunhuang Manuscripts, a treasure trove
of , and the Hoa Hakananai'a, a striking Moai statue from Easter Island, representing
the cross-cultural connections of Asia.

Visitors can explore an impressive assortment of Asian art, including Chinese

porcelain, Japanese samurai armor, and exquisite Indian sculptures like the Amaravati
Marbles. The collection also includes the famous Rosetta Stone, with indirect ties to
Asian cultures through its role in deciphering hieroglyphics.

The British Museum houses monumental Asian monuments, such as the colossal Lion
of Knidos from Turkey and the Assyrian winged bulls from Nineveh. These artifacts
collectively offer a profound glimpse into Asia's diverse civilizations and their enduring
impact on global history and culture.
India

The British Museum features iconic artifacts related to Indian history and culture,
including the original spectacles of Mahatma Gandhi, a symbol of his peaceful
resistance to British colonial rule. In the museum's collection, one can also find
depictions of the fearsome goddess Kali, showcasing her multifaceted nature as a
destroyer and protector.

Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, is well-represented with a shrine

dedicated to him. This shrine exemplifies the reverence for Lord Shiva and offers
visitors a glimpse into his significance in Indian religious traditions.

Among the stone sculptures on display, you can encounter the serene figure of the
Tirthankara Chandra Prabhu, an essential figure in Jainism, as well as depictions of
Lord Vishnu and his consorts, typically found within arched temple niches. These
sculptures serve as windows into the intricacies of Indian religion and mythology,
offering a unique perspective on the country's spiritual and artistic heritage.
Egypt

The glimpse from the museum was the iconic preservation of mummies from Egypt; it
tells you about Egyptian ancient history and helps us learn more about the afterlife,
rituals, and social hierarchy. The whole idea for our British Museum visit was related
to our assignment research; however, when we entered, we realized we could
understand and learn more here as the museum is rich with history and life. From
around the world, we found some amazing facts and truths of life before and after AD
and BC. The evolution of the world and the presence of human civilization gave us a
brief about the world before and after war too. In our assignment, we look to show our
understanding and the rich culture preservation history about the museum.
China

The British Museum in London holds a diverse and captivating collection of Chinese
artifacts that offer a comprehensive view of China's rich history and culture. Among
the remarkable Chinese paintings showcased, you'll find renowned works such as
"The Admonitions of the Instructress to the Court Ladies," a masterpiece of classical
Chinese art that dates to the 4th century. This scroll painting imparts valuable
insights into court life during the Eastern Jin dynasty.
The museum also boasts an impressive assortment of Chinese shields, including
elaborately decorated and functional examples. Some of these shields reflect the
intricate craftsmanship and artistic traditions of China, blending form and function in
unique ways. These artifacts provide visitors with a glimpse into the military history
and defensive techniques of ancient China.
The British Museum's Chinese collection is a testament to China's enduring
influence on art, philosophy, and craftsmanship, allowing visitors to explore the
multifaceted facets of this vibrant and culturally rich civilization.
Africa

The British Museum in London features a captivating collection of African artifacts that
offer a window into the diverse cultures, history, and artistry of the African continent.
Among the notable pieces on display, the Rosetta Stone, with its inscriptions in three
scripts, is a symbol of Egypt's connection to Africa.

The museum boasts a wide array of African art, including sculptures, masks, and
textiles, representing various regions and traditions. Some exceptional artifacts
include the Benin Bronzes, intricately detailed brass plaques that once adorned the
royal palace of the Kingdom of Benin, and the beautifully carved Ife heads from
Nigeria, considered masterpieces of African art.

The African collection also features a selection of monumental sculptures, like the
colossal Sphinx of Taharqo from ancient Egypt and the obelisks of Axum from
Ethiopia, emphasizing the continent's architectural and artistic achievements. These
artifacts collectively celebrate the richness and diversity of Africa's cultural heritage,
making the British Museum a global gateway to Africa's past and present.
America

The American Gallery at the British Museum is like a big treasure chest filled with
things from the Americas. This includes places like North and South America and
various times in history. They have things from Native American tribes, the Aztecs,
Mayans, and Incas. You can see old sculptures, colorful fabrics, and pottery. It's like
going on an exciting journey to learn about the history and cultures of the Americas.
You will find amazing things like Aztec and Maya objects and beautiful Inca fabrics.
This gallery is a special spot to learn about how the native people of the Americas
have contributed to our world's history and culture.
Survey
In the survey we asked approximately 30-35 people of different age groups about their
visit, like how they found out about the museum, their country of residence and how
they found out about the museum.

How did you

hear about the
British Where are you
Museum? from?

SEARCH ENGINE SOCIAL MEDIA

WORD OF MOUTH BLOG OR PR UK RESIDENT VISITORS

Rate the management

Excellent

Good

Average

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Strategies and
Recommendation
1. Public Engagement:

Host public debates, discussions, and forums on relevant cultural and historical topics,
further positioning the museum as a hub for intellectual discourse.

2. Gamification:

Create interactive games and challenges related to the museum's collection to engage
younger audiences and families.

Trivia Quiz: - Create a museum-related quiz game with virtual currency and points for
players to earn donations for educational initiatives and conservation projects,
showcasing the impact of donations on outreach and exhibition development.

Storytelling Challenge: - Encourage children and families to create stories inspired by

museum artifacts and exhibits and add a donation box for support of educational
programs, artifact restoration, and museum expansion.

3. Sustainability Initiatives:

Expand sustainability efforts and communicate these initiatives effectively to attract

environmentally conscious visitors.
Marketing Strategies
The British Museum employs various marketing strategies to attract visitors. Here are
some common strategies that cultural institutions like the British Museum typically use
to attract visitors:

Digital Marketing: Utilizing websites, social media platforms, and online advertising
to promote exhibitions, events, and the museum's overall brand.

Targeted Outreach: Contact colleges, universities, and other educational

establishments to promote field excursions and instructive museum visits.

In-Person Events: Holding talks, workshops, and unique events in person to interact
with visitors and locals.

Email marketing: Informing subscribers about future exhibitions, special events, and
educational programs by sending them newsletters and updates.

Accessibility Initiatives: Ensuring that everyone, including those with disabilities,

may visit the museum.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we had an amazing cross-cultural and historical adventure during our
visit to the British Museum. The extensive history of humanity is exhibited via the
museum's collection of items from China, Greece, Rome, and India. The safeguarding
of ancient artifacts and the significance of cultural heritage really impressed us.
Nevertheless, we were left wondering about curation and collecting after noticing the
small presence of Indian items. The British Museum plays a crucial role in promoting
global awareness of the world's diverse cultures and civilizations through its dedication
to research, education, and public involvement.
Appendixes
The Trustees of British Museum (2023) ‘The British Museum’. Available at:
https://www.britishmuseum.org/ .(Assessed: 27 October 2023)

Link to the video of our visit to British Museum:

https://youtu.be/geDI60tUeTU