British Museum Unveils Samurai Exhibition And Ancient Mysteries

On a chilly February morning in 2026, the British Museum found itself at the center of not one, but several captivating stories—each illuminating the enduring power of the past to shape the present. From the unveiling of a major samurai exhibition to the tantalizing possibility of biblical giants, and the opening of a state-of-the-art research facility to the public, the museum’s reach and relevance were on full display. What ties these threads together is not just the objects themselves, but the stories they inspire—and the communities they bring together.

On February 1, 2026, the British Museum announced a sweeping new exhibition dedicated to the samurai, the legendary Japanese warriors whose image has fascinated people for centuries. According to the British Museum, the exhibition features around 280 objects, ranging from a striking suit of samurai armor to woodblock prints, paintings, clothing, and ceramics. These artifacts are more than just relics; they chart the evolution of the samurai’s role and perception over a millennium.

The exhibition traces the samurai’s journey from their origins as a medieval warrior class, through their transformation into an elite social group that, notably, included women during the 17th century. By the 19th century, the myth of bushido—the code of patriotism and self-sacrifice—had taken hold, shaping both Japanese identity and global perceptions. But the story doesn’t stop in the past. Visitors will also encounter contemporary fashion, manga, TV, and video game items, underscoring how the samurai’s legacy endures in pop culture across the world. As the British Museum puts it, the exhibition offers a rare glimpse into “how the myth and image of the Japanese warrior was created over the past 1000 years.”

While the samurai exhibition draws crowds, another story quietly simmers in the museum’s archives—one that stretches even further back in time and across continents. On February 2, 2026, experts reported that an ancient Egyptian scroll housed in the British Museum, known as Papyrus Anastasi I, may contain references to the Nephilim, the mysterious giants mentioned briefly in Genesis 6:1-4. According to LADbible and the Associates for Biblical Research, the scroll describes encounters with people “of four cubits or of five cubits, from head to foot,” which translates to heights between six feet eight inches and eight feet six inches.

This tantalizing detail has led some researchers, including those from the Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology, to suggest that the scroll could be referencing the Nephilim or perhaps Og, the last survivor of the giant Rephaites noted in Hebrew texts. Christopher Eames, a researcher at the Armstrong Institute, explained, “The combination of names Rapia, Ashtaroth and Edrei is a remarkable link to the biblical account of Og and the Rephaim. Could it even be a reference to this king himself? It has been suggested that 'Og' was simply a regnal title meaning 'man of valor,' paralleling other Ugaritic and Canaanite titles.”

Adding another layer, a related ancient Canaanite tablet reads: “May Rapiu, King of Eternity, drink wine … the god enthroned in Ashtarat, the god who rules in Edrei.” The names mentioned are possibly cities Og is said to have ruled, further fueling the speculation. However, not everyone is convinced. Critics argue that the scroll’s descriptions are more likely to be colorful accounts of military conflict rather than literal references to supernatural giants. As researchers at the Armstrong Institute noted, “This would mean that the height of those encountered varied from at least six feet eight inches to eight feet six inches.” But the debate remains open, inviting both scholarly analysis and public imagination.

While these ancient mysteries and martial myths draw headlines, the British Museum is also making news for its commitment to education and community engagement. On February 2, 2026, the museum hosted the inaugural Barker Lecture at the BM_ARC facility in Shinfield’s Thames Valley Science Park. This event marked a rare opportunity for the public to step behind the scenes and explore a treasure trove of ancient world collections.

The BM_ARC—short for British Museum Archaeological Research Collection—is a cutting-edge storage and research center that houses an impressive array of archaeological objects, including ancient sculpture, mosaics, and historic cast collections. The partnership between the British Museum and the University of Reading, which began in 2018, has opened up new avenues for research collaboration, student placements, and doctoral studentships. At the Barker Lecture, Professor Duncan Garrow from the University’s Department of Archaeology spoke about the fruitful collaborations and opportunities for students, while Kathryn Godwin, Senior Collection Manager at the British Museum, discussed plans for expanding public access to these collections.

Attendees were treated to a tour of the facility and a drinks reception, offering a rare chance to see the inner workings of a world-class museum. Dr. Beth Steiner, research facilitation manager at the University of Reading and chair of the event, captured the spirit of the occasion: “The partnership with the British Museum is an example of how collaboration fuels creativity, and ensures our research into the past matters today and in the future. Having these incredible collections here in Shinfield creates wonderful opportunities for students and researchers, and is a source of pride to our local community.”

The BM_ARC facility is also a model of environmental responsibility, running entirely on electricity with solar panels providing about 30% of its energy needs. While the site is generally closed to the public, the museum plans to facilitate visits for local secondary schools later in the spring, ensuring that the next generation has a chance to engage with history firsthand.

All these developments are part of a broader effort by the British Museum to balance its roles as a custodian of global heritage, a center for cutting-edge research, and a hub for public education. Whether it’s the mythic samurai, the enigmatic Nephilim, or the everyday work of preserving and sharing ancient artifacts, the museum continues to bridge the gap between past and present, sparking curiosity and conversation in equal measure. For those who walk its halls—or peer into its archives—the British Museum remains a place where history lives, breathes, and occasionally surprises.