The British Museum is one of the world’s most renowned and largest museums. It houses a vast collection of over 8 million artefacts from various parts of the world, including ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as prehistoric, medieval and modern objects from all over the globe. Visitors to London should not miss the opportunity to visit this iconic museum, which is situated in the heart of the city, in the Bloomsbury area.
The British Museum was founded in 1753, and it was the first national public museum in the world. It was initially established to house the collection of Sir Hans Sloane, a physician and collector, who had left his vast collection of books, manuscripts, and artefacts to the nation upon his death. Over the years, the museum’s collection grew exponentially as curators and scholars from all over the world added their own collections to it. Today, the British Museum is home to a vast collection of artefacts, including the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and the Sutton Hoo treasure.
What to See at the British Museum
The British Museum has a wide range of collections on display, covering everything from ancient history to modern art. Visitors can easily spend an entire day here, exploring the vast collection of artefacts. One of the most popular exhibits at the museum is the Egyptian collection, which includes mummies, hieroglyphs, and artefacts from the time of the Pharaohs. Visitors can explore the mummification process, view the Rosetta Stone, and learn about ancient Egyptian culture and religion.
Another highlight of the museum is the Greek and Roman collection, which includes sculptures, pottery, and other artefacts from the classical period. Visitors can admire the Elgin Marbles, which are a collection of classical Greek marble sculptures, and learn about the history and mythology of ancient Greece and Rome.
The British Museum also has an extensive collection of Asian art and artefacts, including Chinese ceramics, Japanese prints, and Indian textiles. Visitors can explore the history and culture of the Far East and learn about the various art forms and techniques used in these regions.
The museum also houses a collection of European art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Visitors can admire works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and other famous artists, and learn about the history and development of art in Europe.
Special Exhibitions
In addition to its permanent collections, the British Museum also hosts a range of special exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions showcase different themes, periods, or cultures, and provide a deeper insight into the museum’s collections. Visitors should check the museum’s website for details of current and upcoming exhibitions, and book tickets in advance if possible, as these exhibitions are often very popular.
Facilities
The British Museum offers a range of facilities to visitors, including cafes, restaurants, and gift shops. There are also audio guides and free tours available, which provide visitors with a deeper insight into the museum’s collections.
Accessibility
The British Museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities, and has lifts and ramps throughout the building. There are also audio guides available for visitors with visual or hearing impairments.
Getting There
The British Museum is located in the Bloomsbury area of London, and is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest underground stations are Tottenham Court Road, Holborn, and Russell Square, all of which are on the Central line. There are also several bus routes that stop near the museum, including the 7, 10, 14, 24, 29, 73, 134, and 390. Visitors can also take a taxi or walk.
