|
British Museum Official Web Site
One of the world's greatest museums of human history and culture.
Its collections, which number more than 13 million objects, are
amongst the largest and most comprehensive in the world and originate
from all continents, illustrating and documenting the story of human
culture from its beginning to the present
With 2.5 miles of galleries the British Museum can be overwhelming.
The museum is world class with exhibits drawn from around the world,
a reflection in part on the power of the British Empire.
For those with any serious interest in art and artefacts you will
need more than one day to visit.
For first
time visitors the Greek, Egyptian and Roman rooms are the focus.
Highlights include the Rosetta Stone found in the Egyptian Room whose
discovery led to the deciphering of hieroglyphs. The Elgin Marbles
from the Parthenon in Athens and the Black Obelisk dating from 860
BC.
|
British
Museum Front Entrance |
British Museum Great Court |
In
the year 2000, the "Great Court" was completed. This consists
of a large internal courtyard canopied with a lightweight, transparent
roof. Even for those not interested in architecture it is an experience
to visit. There is also a restaurant in the Great Court, a favourite
place to eat in London.
In 1996, around 12 million books and manuscripts were moved from the
British Museum to a home of their own. The British
Library is located a couple of miles north-east of the British
Museum in St Pancras. |
| Admission
Charges |
Free
- Donations encouraged.
Some special exhibitions have an entrance fee.
There are free short tours (30-40 minutes each) introducing different
areas of the Museum's collection, led by volunteer guides. These are
spread through the day and focus on the collections of single rooms.
There is also normally a free 45 minutes talk with a guest speaker
or curator, Tuesday – Saturday at 13.15.
A variety of audio tours and guided tours are also available for a
charge.
Opening
Times : 10:00 to 17:30 (20:30 Thursday,Fridays) |
Getting
to the British Museum :
Tottenham
Court Road, Russell Square and Holborn Underground stations are all
close to the British Museum.
Russell Square has arguably the nicest approach across Russell Square
itself and then down by the east side of the British Museum buildings. |
 |
 |
From
The British Museum you can walk to/from Covent Garden, a 10-15 minute
walk. This is well signposted. Especially on late night openings,
a great way to round off the day at the British Museum would be to
walk over to Covent garden, have a nice meal or drink and people watch.
The very popular hop
on, hop off London tour buses of course also stop at the British
Museum. |
|
