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

5 Star Rating The British Museum is a masterpiece in itself—a treasure trove of history, art, and culture housed within an awe-inspiring architectural space. The highlight for me was the magnificent glass ceiling in the Great Court, which bathes the area in natural light and creates a truly breathtaking atmosphere. The museum is massive, with countless galleries to explore, each filled with fascinating artifacts from around the world. You could easily spend an entire day (or several) here and still not see everything. Comfortable shoes and a good map are a must! The exhibits are well-curated, and the storytelling behind the artifacts is both engaging and informative. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or just someone looking for an enriching experience, the British Museum is an absolute must-visit when in London. Pro tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds and give yourself plenty of time to wander—this place is worth every minute!
Bent Gonza - in the last week

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5 Star Rating One of the most comprehensive museum in the world. Despite its dark past, the British Museum surely hosts some of the most exquisite artifacts from all over the world. Even though due to its exhaustive collection, some good collection is not on display, especially collections from Southeast Asia. And the most important of all, it is free to enter. Their gift shop are good too.
Jaso Jangan Soto - a month ago

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5 Star Rating After having visited the National Museum of Egypt and have seen the replica of the Rosetta Stone, I wanted to see the real one. It is on display in all it's glory. The British Museum has so many incredible artifacts and historically significant displays that you need to plan out at least half a day to locate the most important ones in this cavernous, beautiful and outstanding museum.
Rick Kim - a month ago

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5 Star Rating To visit the British Museum you will need a ticket, there are different options on their own website, some of which are free. The main entrance is on Great Russell Street and you have to show the security a ticket before you can go through the gates, you then go through a bag security/search section, they do not allow wheeled bags. I went particularly to see the Rosetta Stone, as it is famous there was a crowd around it but people would move on quite quickly and I could admire and take photos within a few minutes. I went in the morning on a Monday it was quite busy so be prepared to do a lot of moving around to see exhibits and moving from one place to another. There are some exhibits for which you will need a separate ticket, make sure to check the British Museum website to see which ones you need to pay for, I believe you can also purchase within the museum itself. As with most of central London there is no parking and the best way to get there is via public transport, I went via the underground (tube) and Tottenham Court Road station then walked about 6 minutes following Google maps.
Penny Mac - in the last week

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5 Star Rating The British Museum is undoubtedly one of the best in the world, with its vast collection impeccably preserved and maintained. What stands out is its commitment to free access, making it possible for anyone to explore the incredible artifacts from countless cultures and nationalities. From ancient civilizations to more modern exhibits, every corner of the museum offers something new and enriching. Its global representation truly makes it a place where history comes alive for everyone.
Alek Linkowski - a month ago

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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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