The British Museum seems to have fallen head over heels for BP, despite everyone around them saying that they’re just not right for each other. We’ve seen how BP’s failed relationships have left other cultural institutions crawling back to the public with paint splatters and broken frames. However this relationship isn’t something new, as the museum’s relationship with BP has been standing for 27 years (with their last deal having expired in February 2023). 

With the museum’s usual approach to just ignore criticism is working out for them once again, as this new deal will extend their BP partnership for another ten years with the promise of £50 million for renovations. Initial plans will oversee the opening of a new archaeological research facility through a new method of collections storage that will allow for easier access to study materials for academics and members of the public. They are also preparing to launch a competition to redesign the museum’s galleries; mainly the “Western Range” which exhibits collections from the Ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian worlds. In an ironic twist, they will also be constructing an Energy Centre with this new flow of cash.  

It’s clear that this deal is BP taking advantage of the fact that the British Museum desperately needs money to maintain its huge collection. Most UK cultural institutions are severely underfunded which leads to them taking dirty money. If they don’t use this money, then the collections fall into disrepair and staff are severely overworked. Even if they rejected this deal from BP, they would just get the funding from another multinational force of destruction. These sponsorships from major investment companies or clothing brands are also contributors to environmental destruction. Normally they are able to fly under the radar with this, but more recently people are starting to take notice. We saw this with Greta Thunberg pulling out of the Edinburgh Book Festival over the investment company Baillie Gifford’s sponsorship. With the British Museum’s presence and visibility, this deal feels like a massive step back for the heritage sector. Should we be angry at these institutions for being collaborators in greenwashing? Austerity in the UK has led to the perfect conditions for the arts and culture to be the face of environmental damage. 

Congratulations to the British Museum and BP on their long life together on this short time on earth.