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

Regular 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

Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

4 Star Rating Amazing place to visit, just not happy about the booking time slots, still have to join the long queue, there is no separate queue for advance bookings. Also when you book online you have to pay donations although it says it's free. But people on the day just join the queue and no-one put any money in the donation boxes. So what's the point booking in advance. I will say just go on the day join the queue and off you go. Great collections from different parts of the world especially Egypt.
S Ahmed - a week ago

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5 Star Rating It’s a giant museum. There are many floors and many sessions. There are many samples from different continents and regions of the world (I wonder how they all ended up there?). You need almost a whole day to be able to see everything very calmly and absorb all the information. However it is a unique opportunity and you must do it, even more so that admission is free.
Jeferson Kozenieski Couto - a month ago

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5 Star Rating One of the best museum experiences of my life. Offers absolutely anything you wanted to see since you were a kid. With so many exhibits that you wonder if there are still mummies, coins or any other ancient relicts left in the world.
Dennis - a week ago

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5 Star Rating The British Museum is a must-visit! I've already been there twice in one year and had a wonderful time both times! You will see spectacular pieces from many empires from different timelines in history, in every corner. The museum is well-connected, has a massive gift shop, a nice restaurant (try their afternoon tea), and several small stands to buy snacks and drinks. 10/10
Ramtin Nowzari - a week ago

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5 Star Rating Love this place so much we joined as members to get into the special exhibitions. Also get discounts on purchases. It costs a fortune to run this world class museum and as it’s free, they need all the support they can muster. Their publications are really classy. Such beautiful books are to be treasured and passed down the generations.
Andrew Crossley - a week 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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