Outlook good for an Indian Summer at museum

Whether it rains or shines, London will enjoy an Indian Summer next year.

The British Museum today announced plans for a programme of exhibitions, performances, lectures and film screenings with an Indian theme.

The five-month run, called Indian Summer, will include a garden presenting Indian biodiversity in the museum's forecourt in collaboration with Kew Gardens.

An exhibition called Garden And Cosmos: The Royal Paintings Of Jodhpur will show 55 works never before seen in Europe.

Neil MacGregor, director of the British Museum, said: "There is an enduring fascination with the rich diversity of the art and culture of India. Garden And Cosmos epitomises this diversity through the polarities expressed in the paintings."

Stephen Green, group chairman of sponsors HSBC, said they were backing the season as they wanted to promote an understanding of different cultures.

For those wanting a taste of India sooner the Serpentine Gallery show, Indian Highway, opens next Wednesday until 22 February.