The British Museum is set to unveil what promises to be one of London’s most significant cultural exhibitions of 2025, with “Ancient India: Living Traditions” opening on 22 May in the prestigious Sainsbury Exhibition Gallery.
This landmark exhibition offers Londoners and visitors to the capital a rare opportunity to explore the artistic and spiritual origins of three major world religions through a captivating collection of sacred art from ancient India.
First of Its Kind
In an unprecedented approach, the exhibition brings together thousands of years of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain religious imagery to trace the fascinating transformation from symbolic representations to the human forms we recognize today. It’s the first exhibition ever to consider early Indian sacred art through a global, pluralistic lens.
The British Museum has drawn extensively from its renowned South Asian collection while securing generous loans from national, international, and community partners to create this comprehensive exploration of India’s sacred artistic heritage.
A Multi-Sensory London Experience
London visitors can expect a truly immersive journey through over 180 objects, including sculptures dating back 2,000 years, vibrant paintings, drawings, and manuscripts. The exhibition has been carefully designed to engage multiple senses, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a deeper cultural experience in the capital.
The exhibition journey begins with a striking statue of Ganesha, instantly recognizable by his elephant head. This beloved deity, revered by Hindus as well as some Jains and Buddhists, symbolises wisdom and new beginnings. Even after 1,000 years, traces of hot pink pigment remain on the statue, offering tangible evidence of centuries of devotional practices.
Contemporary London Connections
What makes this exhibition particularly relevant for Londoners is its exploration of the continuing influence of these ancient traditions in modern Britain. The exhibition highlights the deep cultural and spiritual impact of South Asian, East Asian, and Southeast Asian diaspora communities in the UK, with multi-media films illustrating how these traditions continue to flourish across London and beyond.
Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the British Museum, emphasizes this connection: “By bringing together centuries of devotional imagery and collaborating closely with our community partners, we not only celebrate the legacy of these faiths, but also recognize the ongoing influence of South Asian traditions here in the UK and worldwide.”
Community Collaboration
The exhibition stands out for its collaborative approach. British Museum curators worked closely with an advisory panel of practicing Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains to shape every aspect of the exhibition. Their guidance influenced not only the selection of objects but also led to prioritizing eco-friendly, recyclable, and vegan materials for the care and display of devotional images.
This community involvement extends to the exhibition design and even the products available in the museum shop, ensuring authentic representation of these living traditions.
Practical Information for London Visitors
“Ancient India: living traditions” runs from 22 May to 19 October 2025. The British Museum is open Saturday to Thursday from 10:00 to 17:00, with late opening on Fridays until 20:30.
Early bird tickets start from £16, with under-16s free when accompanied by a paying adult. Students can take advantage of 2-for-1 tickets on Fridays, and concessions and group rates are available.
The exhibition’s central London location makes it easily accessible via numerous transport links, with Tottenham Court Road, Holborn, and Russell Square stations all within walking distance.
For those planning to make a day of it, the exhibition provides the perfect anchor for exploring Bloomsbury, with its literary heritage, charming squares, and excellent dining options ranging from casual cafes to sophisticated restaurants.
Whether you’re a Londoner interested in exploring different cultural traditions or a visitor looking to experience the capital’s world-class museum offerings, “Ancient India: living traditions” promises to be one of the must-see exhibitions in London this year.