The British Museum

The British Museum is one of London’s most important museums and one of the world’s major collections of human history and culture. Founded in 1753, it was the first national public museum in the world. Its collection covers more than two million years of human history, bringing together objects from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and other parts of the world.

Inside the museum, visitors can explore everything from ancient Egyptian mummies and Greek and Roman objects to the famous Rosetta Stone, Assyrian reliefs, Asian art and objects from many different civilisations. The collection is so large that seeing everything in one visit is unrealistic, so it is better to choose a few galleries or highlights before you arrive.

The museum’s Great Court is another major part of the visit. The large glass-roofed space surrounds the historic Reading Room and provides a central point from which to explore the galleries. The British Museum also offers a free audio app and regularly runs tours, talks and other visitor activities.

Entry to the British Museum’s permanent collection is free. The museum recommends booking a free ticket in advance, especially during busy periods. Visitors without a pre booked ticket can still try to enter, but queues may be longer and entry depends on capacity.

Some temporary exhibitions, events and special experiences require paid tickets. If you are interested in a particular exhibition, it is worth checking its availability and booking information before travelling.

All visitors have to go through a security check and bag search before entering the museum. Large luggage and wheeled suitcases are not permitted inside.

The main entrance is on Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. There is also a second entrance on Montague Place.

By Tube:

The closest Underground stations are:

• Tottenham Court Road – around 5 minutes’ walk
• Holborn – around 7 minutes’ walk
• Russell Square – around 7 minutes’ walk
• Goodge Street – around 8 minutes’ walk

By Bus:

Several bus routes stop within walking distance, including services along New Oxford Street, Tottenham Court Road, Gower Street and Southampton Row. For most visitors travelling from central London, Tottenham Court Road or Holborn are convenient options.

For a quick visit covering some of the museum’s major highlights, allow around 2 hours.

A more comfortable visit covering several galleries and important collections will usually take 3-4 hours. Because the British Museum has an enormous collection, visitors interested in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, Asia or other specific areas can easily spend longer.

If you have limited time in London, it is better to decide which galleries you want to see before entering rather than trying to cover the entire museum.

• Book the free ticket in advance if possible, particularly during busy periods.
• Don’t try to see the entire museum in one visit. Pick the galleries and objects you are most interested in.
• The Great Court is worth seeing even if you have limited time.
• Download the British Museum Audio app if you want additional information while exploring the collection.
• Allow extra time for security and bag checks when entering.
• Large suitcases and wheeled luggage are not permitted inside the museum.
• Friday evening is useful if you want to visit after a day of sightseeing, as the galleries stay open until 8:30 PM.
• Wear comfortable shoes. The museum is large and you will be doing quite a lot of walking.
• Check the official website before visiting because individual galleries can sometimes close temporarily for maintenance or private events.