Collection Highlights

Reflecting its British origins, the Museum covers prehistoric Europe, Bronze and Iron Ages, the Roman Empire and Medieval Europe up to modern times. The Ancient and Classical World is represented with artefacts from ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Israel, Persia, Greece, the Etruscans and ancient Cyprus.  There are also collections from the Islamic world, South East Asia, China, Japan and India. 

The collections include prehistoric stone and bone tools, ceramics, glass, stained glass, metalwork, coins, sculpture, carvings, lacquerware, illuminated manuscripts and rare books. Our art collection includes Renaissance and Baroque paintings, frescos, water colours and icons.