The British Museum, founded in 1753 and opened in 1759, was the world's first national public museum and holds around eight million objects spanning two million years of human history and culture. It is world-famous for icons such as the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon Sculptures, and entry to the permanent galleries is free. As of 2026 a major Masterplan redevelopment of the Western Range is under way, so some galleries may close for periods while the Museum as a whole stays open and key objects are displayed elsewhere. Set in the heart of Bloomsbury, it easily rewards a half-day or longer.
The Rosetta Stone — the multilingual slab that unlocked Egyptian hieroglyphs and the Museum's most-visited object
The Parthenon Sculptures (Elgin Marbles) — marble reliefs from the ancient Athenian temple, at the centre of an ongoing restitution debate
The Egyptian galleries — mummies and coffins across seven rooms of one of the world's great Egyptian collections
The Assyrian 'Lion Hunt' reliefs — finely carved palace panels from ancient Nineveh
The Great Court — Norman Foster's glass-roofed courtyard, the largest covered public square in Europe
Good to know
SafetyPickpockets work the crowds around the Rosetta Stone and mummy rooms, on the Underground and along nearby Oxford Street, so wear bags to the front and keep valuables secure.
CautionEntry to the permanent collection is free; ignore anyone selling 'entry tickets' on the street, fake charity clipboard collectors, or the 'dropped gold ring' trick.
RulesAlthough entry is free, book a free timed ticket in advance on the official website for priority entry at busy times; large suitcases are not allowed and bags are security-checked at the entrance.
MannersKeep quiet in the galleries and do not touch the objects; photography is generally allowed, but flash and tripods are prohibited in special exhibitions.
SeasonJuly–August and UK school holidays are very busy with long security queues, so arrive at opening; London weather is changeable, so bring a layer and an umbrella.
RulesYou can tap in on the Tube and buses with a contactless card or an Oyster card rather than buying paper tickets.
Practical info
The nearest Underground stations are Tottenham Court Road (Elizabeth, Central and Northern lines, with step-free access), Holborn and Russell Square, all a 5–8 minute walk to the main Great Russell Street entrance. Check the official website for the latest opening hours (roughly 10:00–17:00, with a late Friday opening) and any special-exhibition prices or booking before you go.
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