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

Official Website: British Museum

Fee: Yes

Closed Now

Regular Hours:
Hours may be subject to change. Please verify on the official website.

  • Monday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday: 10:00 am - 8:30 pm
  • Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Sunday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm

Category: Museums

Address: Great Russell Street
London WC1B 3DG
United Kingdom

Phone: +44 20 7323 8299

Reviews

Yelp Rating:
4.5 out of 5 4.5 Star Rating
Based on 1121 Reviews.

See all reviews on Yelp

5 Star Rating This was a great choice for a mid week stop. Museums are free in England. They belong to the people. A 5 lb donation is requested in multiple places. We... Read More

Marshall G. Sep-15-2023

5 Star Rating I don't know how to describe the feeling of finally meeting the Egyptian family in the British museum. The entry fee is free! But you can donate at a few... Read More

Haiyang H. Jul-22-2023

1 Star Rating What can I say, pretty remarkable pieces of history in there obviously, but as all museums the artwork and history are not the downfall of it. It seems like... Read More

Timmy H. Jul-21-2023

Accommodations near British Museum:

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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Photo Gallery

Video


Well known travel blogger, Rick Steves, is your tour guide in this video of the British Museum

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