BP Ends 27-Year Sponsorship of British Museum Amid Environmental Protests
BP's sponsorship of the British Museum concluded after nearly three decades, terminating one of the art world's most contentious energy industry partnerships. The fossil fuel company had funded the institution since 1996, but the museum confirmed no future exhibitions or activities will receive BP support. The current arrangement, including unspecified 'supporter benefits,' will continue through year-end. Previously, BP backed the Tate, Royal Shakespeare Company, Scottish Ballet, National Portrait Gallery, and Royal Opera House, all severing ties in recent years. Only the Science Museum retains BP funding. Environmental campaigners, who staged numerous protests at the British Museum, hailed the decision as a significant win. Chris Garrard, co-director of Culture Unstained, described it as a 'massive victory.'
Key facts
- BP's sponsorship of the British Museum ended after 27 years
- The sponsorship began in 1996
- No further exhibitions or activities will be sponsored by BP
- The current partnership runs until the end of the year
- BP previously sponsored Tate, Royal Shakespeare Company, Scottish Ballet, National Portrait Gallery, and Royal Opera House
- All previous cultural partnerships with BP have ended except for the Science Museum
- The British Museum was a site of environmental protests
- Chris Garrard called the end a 'massive victory'
Entities
Institutions
- British Museum
- BP
- Tate
- Royal Shakespeare Company
- Scottish Ballet
- National Portrait Gallery
- Royal Opera House
- Science Museum
- Culture Unstained