List of keepers of the British Museum


The keepers are heads of the various departments of the British Museum. They are professional curators and related academics. There are currently nine departments plus the Portable Antiquities Scheme that have keepers.

Keepers of Africa, Oceania and the Americas

The Keeper of Africa, Oceania and the Americas is head of the Department of Africa, Oceania and the Americas.
The Keeper of Ancient Egypt and Sudan is head of the Department of Ancient Egypt and Sudan.
The Keeper of Asia is head of the Department of Asia.
The Keeper of Japanese Antiquities was head of the Department of Japanese Antiquities. That department merged with the Department of Oriental Antiquities to form the Department of Asia.
The Keeper of Britain, Europe and Prehistory is the head of the Department of Britain, Europe and Prehistory
The Keeper of British and Medieval Antiquities was the head of the Department of British and Medieval Antiquities.
The Keeper of Prehistoric and Romano-British Antiquities was head of the Department of Prehistoric and Romano-British Antiquities. The department was created from the Department of British and Medieval Antiquities in 1969.
The Keeper of Medieval and Later Antiquities was head of the Department of Medieval and Later Antiquities. The department was created from the Department of British and Medieval Antiquities in 1969.
The Keeper of Coins and Medals is head of the Department of Coins and Medals.
The Keeper of Conservation and Scientific Research is head of the Department of Conservation and Scientific Research.
The Keeper of Greece and Rome is head of the Department of Greece and Rome. It was formerly known as the Keeper of Greek and Roman Antiquities.
The Keeper of the Middle East is head of the Department of the Middle East.
Keeper of Portable Antiquities and Treasure is head of the Department of Portable Antiquities and Treasure, and head of the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
The Simon Sainsbury Keeper of Prints and Drawings is head of the Department of Prints and Drawings.