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British Museum

World's oldest national public museum housing treasures like the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and Parthenon sculptures. Free admission.

British Museum

About

Housing 8 million objects spanning 2 million years, the world's first national public museum (1753) remains completely free—a democratic testament that knowledge belongs to everyone. The Foster-designed Great Court, Europe's largest covered square, prepares visitors for treasures that define human civilization across every continent.

Iconic Collections

The Rosetta Stone unlocked Egyptian hieroglyphics, anchoring the world's finest Egyptian collection outside Cairo. Controversial Elgin Marbles showcase Greek artistic perfection, while massive Assyrian winged bulls guard Mesopotamian galleries. The Lewis Chessmen, Sutton Hoo treasures, and Benin Bronzes represent artistic achievements from medieval Scotland to Anglo-Saxon England to West Africa.

Navigate 60+ galleries efficiently: Egyptian mummies captivate families, the Enlightenment Gallery reveals the museum's origins, while the Africa Galleries challenge Western art hierarchies. Free daily tours, handling sessions, and family backpacks transform visits into interactive adventures.

Beyond the Basics

Special exhibitions (ticketed) explore themes from manga to Troy. Friday late openings feature talks, performances, and bars among antiquities. The Samsung Digital Discovery Centre offers family-friendly tech workshops exploring collections through VR and 3D printing.

Pro tips: Enter via quieter Montague Place, download the free app for audio tours, and don't attempt everything—focus on 2-3 collections per visit. The museum shop and multiple cafes provide quality breaks between time-traveling adventures.