Samurai Exhibition at the British Museum, London

What is the Samurai exhibition?

The Samurai exhibition at the British Museum explores 1,000 years of Japan’s warrior class, revealing how samurai history, myth, and imagery were created and reinterpreted over time. Through rare armour, artworks, and global cultural references, the exhibition traces the journey from medieval battlefields to modern popular culture.

About the Exhibition: Samurai

Few historical figures have captured the global imagination like the samurai. Armour-clad warriors, epic sword duels, and a strict code of honour have shaped how samurai are perceived today. Yet much of this popular image is the result of myth-making rather than historical reality. The Samurai exhibition at the British Museum sets out to challenge these assumptions with a bold and comprehensive narrative.

Spanning more than a millennium, the exhibition traces the evolution of Japan’s warrior class from the medieval period to the present day. Known in Japan as bushi or musha, samurai rose to political power from the 12th century, dominating warfare and governance. During a long period of peace beginning in 1615, they gradually moved away from the battlefield, becoming administrators, scholars, and patrons of the arts. Remarkably, women made up around half of the samurai class, a fact often overlooked in traditional histories.

Bringing together approximately 280 objects and digital media from the British Museum’s collection and 29 international lenders, this exhibition reveals the many identities of the samurai across time. Many works are displayed in the UK for the first time, offering a rare opportunity to see light-sensitive Japanese art and newly acquired masterpieces.

Artists and Must-See Works

While samurai swords and armour are a major draw, the exhibition goes far beyond weapons. One of the standout highlights is an exquisite suit of samurai armour recently acquired by the British Museum. Its striking helmet and golden standard shaped like iris leaves were designed not only for protection but also to project power and fear on the battlefield.

Equally compelling is a vermilion-red firefighting jacket and hood worn by women serving within Edo Castle. Decorated with watery motifs of anchors and waves, it reflects both the daily dangers of life in Edo (modern Tokyo) and the symbolic role of women within samurai society. Fires were so common in the wooden city that they were known as the “flowers of Edo,” making this garment a powerful blend of function and artistry.

The exhibition also highlights moments of cross-cultural exchange. A rare portrait of Itō Mancio, painted by Domenico Tintoretto, depicts the 13-year-old samurai who led Japan’s first diplomatic mission to Europe in 1582. Another fascinating work shows Henry of Bourbon, Count of Bardi, portrayed as a Japanese warrior after visiting Japan in 1889, capturing Western fascination with the samurai at a time when their traditional world was disappearing.

Contemporary culture plays a central role as well. From a Louis Vuitton outfit inspired by Japanese armour to references in film, manga, and video games, the exhibition demonstrates how the samurai continue to inspire creativity worldwide. Newly commissioned works by Japanese artist Noguchi Tetsuya bridge the gap between past and present, reinforcing the samurai’s enduring global legacy.

Planning Your Visit: Dates, Tickets & Tips

The Samurai exhibition runs from 3 February to 4 May 2026 in the Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery at the British Museum. Due to its popularity and the fragile nature of many objects on display, advance booking is strongly recommended, especially during weekends and school holidays.

Tickets start from £17, with under-16s admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. Students can benefit from special 2-for-1 offers on Fridays, and concessions and group rates are also available. Friday late openings until 8:30 pm offer a quieter and more atmospheric way to experience the exhibition.

To make the most of your visit, allow at least 90 minutes to explore the galleries at a comfortable pace. Audio guides and exhibition publications are available for those who wish to dive deeper into the historical context and curatorial insights.

Why Visit Samurai?

What makes the Samurai exhibition truly unique is its focus on myth-making as much as history. Rather than presenting the samurai as timeless warriors, the exhibition reveals how their image was shaped, idealised, and reinvented over centuries for political, cultural, and national purposes.

By combining historical artefacts with modern media, the exhibition speaks to both first-time visitors and those already familiar with Japanese history. It offers a nuanced, thought-provoking perspective on how cultural identities are constructed and why the samurai remain such powerful global symbols today.

Practical Information

• Dates: 3 February – 4 May 2026
• Opening Hours: Sat–Thu 10:00–17:00; Fri 10:00–20:30
• Location: Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery, British Museum
• Tickets: From £17; under-16s free with adult
• How to Get There: Tottenham Court Road, Holborn, or Russell Square stations

Conclusion

The Samurai exhibition at the British Museum is an unmissable journey through history, myth, and modern imagination. With rare objects, powerful stories, and global perspectives, it offers one of the most comprehensive explorations of samurai culture ever staged in London. Plan ahead, book your tickets early, and enrich your visit by exploring more of the British Museum’s extraordinary collections.

This article was curated by the London Museum Tours team. With years of experience guiding visitors through London's permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, our goal is to help you plan the perfect visit.