Discover the British Museum

Overview

The British Museum, a cultural gem located in London, has delighted visitors for over 255 years with its vast collections that span more than two million years of human history. Housing approximately 8 million artifacts from diverse cultures worldwide, the museum offers an unparalleled insight into civilizations from Egypt to the Americas. Notable highlights include the intriguing Rosetta Stone, essential for deciphering ancient Egyptian scripts, and the exquisite Portland Vase from 1st century Italy. The museum's architecture features a stunning Greek Revival façade and includes the iconic Round Reading Room, known for having the second widest dome globally. The institution has also faced controversies over the ownership of certain artifacts, sparking debates regarding historical stewardship. With an impressive 92,000m² of exhibition space, visitors can immerse themselves in the wonders of history, art, and culture at the British Museum.

Photo of British Museum
Photo of British Museum
Photo of British Museum
Opening hours
  • Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
  • Monday 10:00 - 17:00
  • Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00
  • Thursday 10:00 - 17:00
  • Friday 10:00 - 20:30
  • Saturday 10:00 - 17:00

Open 24/7

Contact Info
  • AddressGreat Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, UK
  • Phone+44 20 7323 8299

Reviews

Aisha Martins
Brazil
5
Visiting the British Museum is a delightful experience; it features an extensive and fascinating collection. The exterior of the building is equally stunning. Remember to reserve your free ticket in advance—this is crucial. Depending on your interest in museums, you can spend around 2-4 hours here. Free Wi-Fi is available, and photography is allowed throughout the museum.
Amir Khodadadi
Iran
5
The British Museum is a magnificent and exceptional place. I love spending my time here. The best thing is that it's free and you can visit as often as you like without worrying about tickets. Additionally, the museum houses a vast collection from various parts of the world. Finally, the layout of the museum is quite organized. Do make sure to check out the temporary exhibitions, though those may have an admission fee.
Theofania Cripner
Greece
5
I had an amazing visit to the British Museum with my family. This is an extraordinary venue where you can explore diverse cultures from around the globe—covering Europe, Africa, China, Egypt, and beyond, going back thousands of years, even before Christ. The exhibits are beautifully organized and there's an abundance of knowledge at every corner. My children were captivated by the Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta Stone, while my parents were thrilled to see artifacts from various civilizations. This is a must-see for anyone passionate about history and culture! Highly recommended.
Yuki Tanaka
Japan
5
I visited the British Museum in mid-August 2024. When I arrived at 9:30 AM, there was already a long queue. Everyone was courteous and waited for their turn, and after about 45 minutes, I passed security checks and was granted entry. If you want to enjoy afternoon tea during lunch, it's advisable to make a reservation early (by 12 PM, when I returned, all spots were booked until 3 PM). The museum is spacious and beautiful, and you'll need the entire day to fully explore it. During my visit in August, it was crowded, and certain exhibition rooms were a bit warm. I was amazed to see statues that I had only read about in textbooks. The exhibition on ancient Egyptian culture particularly impressed me, especially the well-preserved pharaoh Buddha statues. I will definitely return in the future.
Hiroshi G
Japan
5
The British Museum provides an exceptional experience. Admission is based on voluntary donation, making it accessible to all, and the website for ticket acquisition is user-friendly. During our January visit, we were pleasantly surprised by the low attendance, which allowed us to explore the museum without being rushed. The collection is remarkable, and the building's vastness is awe-inspiring. However, I find the 5 p.m. closing time somewhat limiting, as many visitors prefer to explore the city in daylight and visit museums later in the evening.