The British Museum, a world-renowned cultural landmark, has been partially closed to visitors following an alleged IT attack by a former contractor. The museum confirmed that the individual, who had been dismissed the previous week, trespassed into the building, accessed its systems, and disrupted operations before being apprehended by police.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, has forced the closure of several galleries and temporary exhibitions, limiting the museum’s capacity over the weekend. Priority has been given to members and visitors with pre-booked tickets.
“A dismissed IT contractor trespassed into the museum and shut down several systems,” a museum spokesperson stated. “Police attended, and the individual was arrested on-site. We are working hard to restore full operations and deeply regret the inconvenience caused to our visitors.”
The museum has contacted ticket holders for this weekend, offering them the opportunity to reschedule their visits or receive refunds. Despite these efforts, temporary exhibitions, including the highly anticipated “Silk Roads” and “Picasso: Printmaker,” remain closed.
The British Museum, home to iconic artifacts such as the Rosetta Stone, the Sutton Hoo treasures, and the Parthenon Sculptures, attracts millions of visitors annually. In 2023, it was named the UK’s top visitor attraction, drawing over 5.8 million people through its doors. The disruption comes at a particularly busy time, with temporary exhibitions drawing significant attention from cultural enthusiasts.
While the museum works to restore full functionality, it has issued an apology for the inconvenience caused by the closures. Affected visitors have been encouraged to contact the box office for assistance.
The incident has raised questions about security protocols, particularly around access to sensitive systems by former employees. Although the museum has not disclosed the extent of the damage, the incident highlights the vulnerability of cultural institutions to internal security threats.
As investigations continue, the British Museum is committed to resuming normal operations and ensuring the safety of its collections and visitors. The museum remains a cornerstone of global heritage, and its swift response to the crisis underscores its dedication to protecting its legacy.
Visitors are advised to check the museum’s official channels for updates on reopening and operational capacity in the coming days.
