British Museum

The British Museum features a massive collection exceeding 7 million items from around the world

Entrance to the British Museum
Entrance to the British Museum cc licensed photo by Juan de Dios Santander Vela

Founded in 1753, the British Museum features a massive collection that exceeds 7 million items which come from all over the world, representing and revealing human history and culture from its origins all the way to the present.

The British Museum is constructed around a central courtyard (pictured below) which is completely covered with a roof made of 1656 individually shaped glass panes set in a steel frame. This is the largest covered courtyard in all of Europe. The front facade is of Greek Revival Style featuring 44 columns that are 45 feet in height. The museum has nearly 100 different galleries covering over 800,000 square feet.

Since the British Museum is a national museum it has free admission and is open daily, making it a great place to visit if travelling on a budget. The museum also has rotating exhibitions, however there is an admission charge to view them.

For more information about the British Museum as well as exhibitions and hours see the official website link below.

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes

British Museum Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Address: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, UK

Phone: 020 7323 8299

Official Website: British Museum

British Museum Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

4 Star Rating I've wanted to come here for quote sometime. Some fantastic artifacts on display here spanning different cultures and time periods. I really recommend but be prepared if go during school holiday a huge queue outside as you have to queue to have your bag checked before entering. So much to see you could spend absolutely hours here. I can't comment on the cafe as I didn't visit there but a stall outside a had an amazing late from.
Corinne Dyer - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating It's definitely a great stop for the older kids and of course adults. The exhibits are well laid out and easy to navigate. Try to come on the off-season as it can get understandably crowded. We bought the entry and tea ahead of time and reserved a time spot. I definitely recommend doing that. Otherwise, the line was around the corner for a wait on a weekday for both.
Patrick J. Peake - a week ago

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5 Star Rating Love this place, wish I could spend more time in this place. It is quite big and I only toured a portion of it. First of all it is free so expect a lot of tourists. Large atrium with a great gift shop. The artifacts are all on the side of the building, and they are nicely preserved. I really liked the Egyptian, Greek and Asian artifacts. Bathroom situation is not great, so plan accordingly.
Wuji Fei - a week ago

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4 Star Rating Amazing place to visit, just not happy about the booking time slots, still have to join the long queue, there is no separate queue for advance bookings. Also when you book online you have to pay donations although it says it's free. But people on the day just join the queue and no-one put any money in the donation boxes. So what's the point booking in advance. I will say just go on the day join the queue and off you go. Great collections from different parts of the world especially Egypt.
S Ahmed - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Super worth visiting, a great collection. Staff (security at the entrance) super helpful and friendly. Queue can take a bit long because it’s very busy, you need to book your tickets before hand (but it’s free). If you like to really read and aprons the items, save something around 2-4hr for this visit. For those who carry big backpacks, there is a shopping right in front of the main entrance that you can leave you luggage for £6. Highly recommend!
Thais B - in the last week

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Directions

Tube Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Northern and Central LinesTottenham Court Road5 Minutes
Piccadilly LineHolborn8 Minutes

How to get to British Museum by Tube

From Tottenham Court Road Station exit onto Tottenham Court Road and go left (north), then right on Great Russell Street. The museum is a couple of blocks ahead on your left.

From Holborn Station exit onto Kingsway and go right (north), then left on High Holborn, then right on Southampton, then left on Bloomsbury Way, then right on Bloomsbury Square, then left on Great Russell Street. The museum is just ahead on your right.

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