- Address: Great Russell Street, London, England WC1B 3DG
- Hours: Open daily 10am - 5:30pm
- Admission: Free
British Museum
The British Museum is one of the largest museums in the world, comparable only to the Louvre in Paris and the Met in New York. Established around 1750, the British Museum originated with Sir Hans Sloane's 'Cabinet of Curiosities' which he donated to the nation. It's now London's most visited attraction with over seven million objects and a wealth of world history - from Egyptian mummies to Roman sculptures, the Greek Parthenon marbles and the Persian Oxus Treasure (thanks to the British Empire's history of conquering distant countries - there is ongoing controversy about whether some of these treasures should now be returned to where they came from).
But this is no dull, dusty cupboard of old bits and pieces. The British Museum has a wide-ranging program of talks, films, family events, activities for kids, cafes and an excellent shop. The museum is housed in an imposing Greek Revival building dating from the 1850s. In 2000, the space was increased when the wonderful Lord Foster-designed glass and steel courtyard was created. In the heart of this is the famous Reading Room - once home to the British Library - where Karl Marx wrote The Communist Manifesto.
Practical Info
Located in Bloomsbury, the cultural heart of London, the British Museum is easily reached by bus or tube. Tottenham Court Road and Holborn are the nearest tube stations. The courtyard is the nerve-center of the museum and from here you can set off on a series of tours exploring different parts of the collection. Allow plenty of time and wear comfortable shoes. There's so much to see here, you might want to schedule more than one visit.
Tours & Tickets
British Museum Highlights Tour in London including the Rosetta Stone
See human history and culture brought to life on a 2.5-hour tour of the British Museum in London! With millions of artifacts spread over 70 galleries, the ... Read more
Location: London, United Kingdom
Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
Private Tour: London Walking Tour of the British Museum
Discover London's wealth of history and culture in style on a private walking tour of the British Museum, with an art historian to guide you. You will enjoy ... Read more
Location: London, United Kingdom
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Small Group Tour: London Historical Walking Tour Including the British Museum
Your 5-hour walking tour is a history lover’s delight as you explore central London and its iconic British Museum. Your guide will lead you through the city’s ... Read more
Location: London, United Kingdom
Duration: 5 hours (approx.)
Viator Exclusive: Small-Group London Sightseeing Tour Including Guided British Museum Visit, St Paul's Cathedral and Tower of London
Get the most out of London on this full-day tour, which hits the best of the English capital — you can't book this Viator Exclusive anywhere else. Visit St ... Read more
Location: London, United Kingdom
Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Private Guided Tour of the British Museum in London
On this 2.5 hour private tour, visit one of the world’s largest collections of artifacts at the British Museum. Our engaging tour guides will take you through ... Read more
Location: London, United Kingdom
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Private Tour: London Historical Walking Tour Including The British Museum
This 5 hour private tour is a history lover’s delight as we explore central London and its iconic British Museum. Your energetic guide will lead you through ... Read more
Location: London, United Kingdom
Duration: 5 hours (approx.)
London Super Saver: Exclusive Small-Group London Sightseeing Tour and a Stonehenge, Windsor and Bath Day Tour
See Stonehenge without the crowds and check off London’s most famous sights with this Super Saver — a Viator Exclusive that can’t be booked anywhere else. Gain ... Read more
Location: London, United Kingdom
Duration: London Sightseeing:
9.5 hours
Stonehenge, Bath and Windsor:
11 hours
Private Tour: London's National Gallery and The British Museum Guided Tour
Maximize your stay with a visit to London’s two most prominent museums, the National Gallery and the British Museum. On this 5 hour private tour, our informed ... Read more
Location: London, United Kingdom
Duration: 5 hours (approx.)
