Viking, the award-winning river and ocean cruise line, announces a three year partnership with the British Museum, the much-loved public institution which is dedicated to human history, art and culture. 

Founded in 1753, the British Museum is home to a vast permanent collection which spans over two million years of human history as well as special exhibitions, displays and events which are all designed to advance understanding of the collection and cultures they represent.  As well as supporting the British Museum which has always been free for all visitors, Viking will be offering its guests the opportunity to attend private views and after-hours and behind-the-scenes tours of the Museum's collections as part of the cruise line's signature 'Privileged Access' programme.  Viking guests will also have the chance to visit special exhibitions including the BP exhibition Troy: myth and reality, Inspired by the east: how the Islamic world influenced western art and The Arctic where a wealth of artistic expression and ecological knowledge from within the Arctic Circle will be presented

Wendy Atkin-Smith, Managing Director of Viking Cruises UK, said: 'At Viking we offer an alternative to mainstream cruise lines.  Our cruises offer culturally enriching, immersive experiences and our brand partnerships in the UK reflect this ethos.  We are very proud to be working with the British Museum, the first national public museum in the world which remains one of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK today.  We are all about connecting cultures and providing access to the world's treasures so we have a lot in common with the British Museum which has always been open to all 'studious and curious persons'.'

Viking's signature Privileged Access programme is available on selected shore excursions on river and ocean cruises around the world.  Viking enables guests to visit seldom-seen collections; with before- and after-hours access to world-class museums; the opportunity to be a special guest at private homes and palaces not open to the public; and to attend cultural performances of folklore, ballet and opera to get an insider's view. Highlights of the programme include the Behind Closed Doors experiences at The Hermitage in St Petersburg and at the Munch Museum in Oslo.

Viking's other cultural partners in the UK include the Royal Academy of Arts, Opera Holland Park, Classic FM and the Royal Horticultural Society.  Viking is also the presenting sponsor of the London leg of the TUTANKHAMUN: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh world tour at the Saatchi Gallery which will run through until 3 May 2020.

For more information go to www.vikingcruises.co.uk