The British Museum in London, England is a must-visit museum for anyone interested in art and history. Founded in 1753, it is one of the oldest and largest museums in the world, housing a collection of over 8 million artifacts from all around the world. It is a place of immense cultural heritage, with its galleries filled with ancient artifacts that tell stories of civilizations from around the world.
History
The British Museum was established in 1753 when the British government purchased the collection of Sir Hans Sloane, an Irish physician and naturalist. The collection contained over 71,000 items, including books, manuscripts, coins, and natural history specimens. Since then, the museum has grown to include artifacts from all around the world, such as the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and the Sutton Hoo treasures.
Attractions
The British Museum is home to a variety of attractions, including:
- The Great Court – a beautiful courtyard surrounded by glass walls and a spectacular glass roof, providing a stunning backdrop for visitors.
- The Reading Room – a stunning library where visitors can explore the museum’s collection of books and manuscripts.
- The Egyptian Galleries – a collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including mummies, statues, and jewelry.
- The Greek and Roman Galleries – a collection of ancient Greek and Roman artifacts, including sculptures, coins, and pottery.
- The Asian Galleries – a collection of artifacts from the Middle East, India, and China, including ceramics, textiles, and jewelry.
- The African Galleries – a collection of artifacts from the African continent, including masks, sculptures, and jewelry.
- The British Galleries – a collection of artifacts from the British Isles, including furniture, paintings, and pottery.
What to Expect
Visitors to the British Museum can expect to be amazed by the sheer size and scope of the museum’s collection. The galleries are filled with artifacts that span the ages, from ancient Egyptian mummies to modern-day sculptures. Visitors can also expect to be inspired by the stories that the artifacts tell, as each piece of art or artifact is a window into the past.
Tours
The British Museum offers a variety of tours for visitors, including guided tours, audio tours, and self-guided tours. Guided tours are available in a variety of languages and offer a more in-depth exploration of the museum’s collection. Audio tours are available in multiple languages and provide an audio commentary as visitors explore the galleries. Self-guided tours are also available and allow visitors to explore the galleries at their own pace.
Admission
Admission to the British Museum is free of charge. However, there may be a charge for certain special exhibitions and events.
Tips For Tourists
- Plan your visit in advance – the museum is very popular and can get crowded, so it’s best to plan your visit in advance.
- Allow plenty of time – the galleries are vast and it can take several hours to explore them all.
- Bring a camera – the museum is full of amazing artifacts and it’s a great place for taking photos.
- Bring a bottle of water – the museum can get quite warm, so it’s a good idea to bring a bottle of water.
- Wear comfortable shoes – the museum is very large and there’s a lot of walking involved, so it’s best to wear comfortable shoes.
Practical Information
The British Museum is open daily from 10am to 5.30pm, except for 24, 25, and 26 December. The museum is located at Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. The nearest tube station is Tottenham Court Road.
