The British Museum signed a sponsorship deal worth £50mn with BP despite the vocal opposition of environmental activists.
The agreement announced Tuesday is expected to help fund an estimated £1bn in modernisation for one of Britain’s most popular cultural institutes over the next decade. It also extends the partnership that began with the oil group back in 1996.
Sir Charlie Mayfield said he appreciated BP’s financial support and that extensive modernisation of the institution was “essential”.
The project will include replacing the mechanical, electric and plumbing systems of the 170-year old museum and renovating the public galleries.
Environmental campaign groups and activists have criticised the museum’s decision renewing its partnership with BP. Culture Unstained has been protesting the museum’s partnership for almost a decade. They called the decision “indefensible”.
Chris Garrard said, “We are seeking legal advice to challenge this decision, as we believe it is illegal and violates the museum’s climate commitments, and codes that apply to all museums.”
Greenpeace called the deal “brazen greenwashing”. It should be stopped. Greenpeace UK policy director Doug Parr said that no cultural institution with a duty to educate and inform, including the British Museum, should allow fossil fuel companies pay them to improve their image.
A competition for the redevelopment of 7,500 sq. m. of gallery space is part of the museum’s modernisation. This will allow it to display its vast collection of ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans artifacts.
Louise Kingham said, “We’re proud to be a partner for BP and to play a part in the future transformation of this important British institution.”
BP funded a lecture theater as part of a redevelopment program at the turn-of-the millennium. It has sponsored a number of special exhibitions. The most recent was in 2020.