Exhibition: Burma to Myanmar
The British museum
Completed 2023
Burma to Myanmar is a temporary exhibition at the British Museum that explores the rich cultural and political history of Myanmar over 1,500 years. Featuring extraordinary artefacts from a once-influential superpower at the crossroads of Asia, the exhibition traces the country’s transformation through its artistic achievements, international connections, and modern-day challenges. Greenway Associates served as Quantity Surveyors for this installation.
Burma to Myanmar temporary exhibition at The Brittish Museum
OUR ROLE
Liam McFaul served as the lead Cost Consultant on this installation.
Greenway Associates are proud to have collaborated with the British Museum for over 15 years, contributing to many fascinating exhibitions.
A hanging textile with scenes from Ramayana, Myanmar, early 1900s © The British Museum
THE INSTALLATION
The Burma to Myanmar exhibition at the British Museum offers an unprecedented exploration of the complex and multifaceted history of Myanmar, spanning over 1,500 years. This groundbreaking show traces the country’s evolution from a powerful kingdom at the crossroads of Asia to its current status as a repressive regime under military rule. The exhibition highlights Myanmar’s rich artistic and cultural heritage, providing a deeper understanding of a nation that has long been isolated on the world stage.
Beginning around AD 450, the exhibition shows the interactions between Myanmar’s diverse peoples and their neighbours, showcasing how these exchanges inspired new ideas, art forms, and trade networks. By the 14th century, Myanmar was a hub of regional influence, with kingdoms forging connections across Asia and beyond. A coin issued by King Dhammaraja Hussain, inscribed in three languages—Arakanese, Bengali, and Persian—illustrates the expansive reach of Myanmar’s trade and diplomacy. Other standout pieces include a gold and ruby-encrusted letter sent by King Alaungpaya to George II in 1756, a symbol of the wealth and ambitions of Myanmar’s rulers. The letter’s misinterpretation as a gift by George II, rather than as royal correspondence, exemplified the early misunderstandings that marked relations between Myanmar and Britain.
Ceramic storage jar, Myanmar, 1200-1500 © The British Museum
Silver coin issued by Dhammaraja Hussain, Myanmar 1612-22 © The British Museum
Map showing three Shan states, paper, Myanmar, about 1889. © The British Museum
The exhibition also delves into the impact of British colonial rule, which reshaped the country’s art, culture, and identity. Post-independence, Myanmar’s struggles with civil war and the ongoing challenges of military rule are addressed, offering a window into its turbulent modern history. Buddhism, a unifying cultural and religious force in Myanmar, is a recurring theme, highlighting its profound influence on the country's art and daily life. Through an array of artefacts, including coins, letters, religious objects, and modern-day artworks, Burma to Myanmar paints a vivid picture of a country shaped by its rich resources, diverse communities, and strategic location at the heart of Asia.
Greenway Associates were honored to contribute as Quantity Surveyors to this significant exhibition, which provided a rare opportunity to uncover the history and culture of a nation still shrouded in mystery for much of the world.
PROJECT DETAILS
Client: The British Museum
Lighting Design: Beam Lighting
Graphics Design: Studio Eger
Value: £250k
Cost Consultants: Greenways Associates
Completed: 2023
For more information on this exhibition, or to talk about any other cultural project, please contact our Cultural Projects Expert, Jared Mensah.