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 8000

Official Website: British Museum

British Museum Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating A visit to this museum is a journey through time and across cultures. The magnificent building itself whispers stories of history. Inside, the collections are breathtaking in their scope and diversity. From ancient artifacts to exquisite artwork, there's something to captivate every visitor. It's an experience that will stay with you long after you leave.
Aditya Dutt - in the last week

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5 Star Rating This is probably my favourite museum in London and the 3rd time I've visited over the years. Booking online is a must as you can't turn up on the day without a ticket but they are free. There's a bit of a queue to get in when you get there but we were in within 10-15 minutes for an 11:30 entry on a Saturday. I think paid members are able to pretty much just turn up and walk in which is fare enough. The museum is huge and is always busy but due to the size of the place, you can walk around and read everything at your own leisure with exception to the Rosetta Stone which is always popular with a mass of people around it. I find the history that is in there fries my mind as to how far back some of the items go. I enjoyed the Egyptian and Persian areas the most. Architecturally, the building is stunning and is immaculate on the occasions I've visited. The library at the centre is wonderful and there is information on some of the more famous scholars they've had visiting over the years. The team of people working there are doing an excellent job in my opinion. Prices for food and drink are high but you have to remember that tickets are free so they have to make money somehow to preserve this treasure trove. I paid around £5 for a Cappuccino and I think £12 is their cheapest meal deal but ingredients seemed pretty good quality in the sandwich and I loved the coffee. Access from the London Underground is easy from either Tottenham Court Road or Holborn, both on the Central Line. We chose the latter and was a 5 minute walk which is also sign posted if you prefer not to use Google maps whilst walking.
Michael Leport - a week ago

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5 Star Rating Very impressive collection of items from around the world. I particularly liked the Egyptian & Greek exhibitions. The crowd at the entrance was very long but as I had already purchased a ticked online and had no bag or rucksack I approached one of the three security personnel present and they sent me straight into the museum, bypassing the queue.
Les Cooper - a week ago

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4 Star Rating It was great! Saw a lot of historical artifacts in display. Loved the Egyptian display of course. What was annoying was the audio guide. Both my iPhone and Android devices couldn't download. My phones are the top models but they said it's not compatible? Anyway we just had to read some of the description on the items but because there were too many people it took time. There were areas that were a warm so it felt a bit stifling. But it's good overall.
Jo-Ann Ramos - a week ago

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5 Star Rating It is wonderful and unique. I really enjoy spending time in this museum. First of all, it's free and allows you to enter as many times as you want without worrying about ticket fees. Second, it is very rich and many works from all over the world can be seen there. Finally, the division of the museum is really regular. I recommend visiting the temporary exhibitions, which are not free.
Elham BAGHERI - 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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