The British Museum has announced an ambitious new exhibition exploring the sacred art of ancient India, which is expected to become a significant attraction for domestic and international tourists visiting the UK in 2025.
“Ancient India: living traditions” will run from 22 May to 19 October 2025 in the Sainsbury Exhibition Gallery, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the artistic origins of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism – three major world religions with nearly two billion followers today.
A Unique Cultural Tourism Opportunity
This landmark exhibition represents a compelling addition to Britain’s 2025 tourism calendar, featuring over 180 exceptional objects including 2,000-year-old sculptures, vibrant paintings, drawings, and ancient manuscripts that trace the evolution of Indian religious art.
For travellers planning UK itineraries next year, the exhibition provides an exceptional opportunity to explore the artistic and spiritual legacy of one of the world’s most influential civilisations without leaving British shores.
Tourism experts predict the exhibition will attract visitors from across the UK and internationally, particularly appealing to the growing segment of cultural tourists seeking meaningful, educational experiences.
Multi-Sensory Journey Through Ancient Faiths
Visitors will embark on a captivating, multi-sensory journey through the devotional art of each religion, beginning with an exploration of ancient nature spirits and examining ideas of community, continuity, and change.
A highlight of the exhibition is a striking 1,000-year-old statue of Ganesha, one of India’s most beloved gods, instantly recognisable by his elephant head. Upon close inspection, traces of hot pink pigment still remain on the statue, serving as lasting evidence of worship practices that continue to this day.
The exhibition examines how between 200 BC and AD 600, artistic depictions of deities and enlightened teachers dramatically changed from symbolic representations to human figures with the iconic attributes we recognise today. It also explores how great temples and shrines across the Indian subcontinent became cosmopolitan hubs, drawing pilgrims from across Asia and the Mediterranean.
UK-India Cultural Connections
For the many British tourists with connections to South Asian heritage or an interest in these religions, the exhibition offers a particularly meaningful experience. Multi-media films illustrate how these ancient traditions continue to be practiced and flourish across the UK, highlighting the deep cultural and spiritual impact of South Asian, East Asian, and Southeast Asian diaspora communities in Britain.
Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the British Museum, comments: “India’s sacred art has had a profound impact on its own cultural landscape and the broader global context. 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 recognise the ongoing influence of South Asian traditions here in the UK and worldwide.”
Planning Your Visit
The British Museum’s central London location makes it an ideal anchor for UK city breaks and longer holidays in the capital. Open Saturday to Thursday 10.00–17.00 and Friday 10.00–20.30, the exhibition is accessible for various travel itineraries.
Early bird tickets start from £16, with under-16s free when accompanied by a paying adult. Students can benefit from 2-for-1 tickets on Fridays, and concessions and group rates are available – making it suitable for family trips and group tours alike.
For those planning a visit, the exhibition can be combined with other nearby attractions including the British Library, Covent Garden, and Soho, creating a full day’s itinerary in one of London’s most vibrant districts.
Accommodation options near the museum range from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, with excellent transport links making it easily accessible from all parts of London and beyond.
Exhibition Catalogue as Travel Souvenir
Visitors wishing to take home a lasting memento of their experience can purchase the exhibition’s vibrantly illustrated catalogue, written by Sushma Jansari and Sureshkumar Muthukumaran and published by the British Museum Press. Priced at £45, this hardback book offers a comprehensive exploration of the themes and objects featured in the exhibition.
With its combination of spectacular ancient artefacts, thoughtful curation, and contemporary relevance, “Ancient India: living traditions” promises to be one of the UK’s cultural highlights of 2025 and a must-visit destination for travellers interested in art, religion, and world heritage.
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