The British Museum
Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG
Not yet reviewed
| Address: | Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG |
| Location Map: | See a map |
| Nearest Station: | Holborn Tottenham Court Road Russell Square Goodge Street |
| About The British Museum: | The British Museum is the world's oldest museum and was founded in 1753. The collection was first started by Hans Sloane, the man responsible for the initiation of the Chelsea Physic Garden. Sloane's collection had soon expanded massively and needed permanent housing.
In 1847 Robert Smirke designed the colonnaded neo-classical building that became the site of the British Museum. The British Museum has exhibits spanning the last two million years of history.
The interior of the British Museum spans two and a half miles and features ninety galleries. Major exhibits include treasures from Egypt, Rome and Greece. A vast collection of Oriental art from Chinese, Indian and Islamic sources. British historical artefacts range from prehistoric examples right through to present day.
There has been a recent return of the Ethnography Collections from the Museum of Mankind. Some of the museums most precious exhibits include the rosetta stone, Egyptian mummies and Mildenhall treasures.
In 1997 the British Library was removed from the British Museum and the available space was transformed into London’s first glass covered square- designed by Sir Norman Foster and named the ‘Great Court.’ At the centre of the Great Court is the magnificent Round Reading Room where Karl Marx and George Bernhard Shaw studied. The museum is worth visiting even only for these two design masterpieces.
The British Museum is the most visited attraction in London and admission is free. |
| Official Link: | www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk |
What's On at The British Museum
| Jun |
| 1 |
| Fri |
Time: Daily: 10.00 - 17.30 (Fridays open until 20.30)
Admission: Free
| Jul |
| 19 |
| Thu |
Time: Open daily 10.00–17.30. Open late on Fridays until 20.30. Last entry 70 minutes before closing.
Admission: See official website for ticket prices
User Comments
The Latest User Review
 | krunchie frog | London Eye | Since: May 2007 | Posts: 2864 | View Profile | Send Message |
My Review
The fact that all the things that The British Museum exhibits are free to go and look at is fantastic.
My favorite exhibits, probably like most, are the ancient Egyptian pieces. Colossal statues, mummies, sarcophaguses (sarcophogi?), paintings, carvings, ornaments all dating back to as far as over 4000 years ago is pretty impressive.
However, it's not just about Egypt. I didn't have time to check out everything, there is an awful lot on display. But as it's free, I will be going back soon to finish off my visit.
I got around without one of those electronic guides, but part of me wishes I did pick one up. It's all very well reading the plaques, but sometimes it's easier to follow information when it's being told to you. Next time, I'll also go on one of their free tours.
I recommend a visit to The British Museum to anyone visiting London, but also to those who already live here.
