Hotels near British Museum, United Kingdom

The England’s most visited attraction for good reason. With two million years of human history and culture, it has something to fascinate everyone. Artefacts cover everything from Egyptian mummies, the Sutton Hoo burial ship and galleries which show the diversity, complexity and creativity of Africa, Asia and the classical world.

Overview

Location: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG in Bloomsbury, Central London.

History: The British Museum opened its doors in 1759 to 'all studious and curious persons'. It claims to be the first national museum to cover all fields of human knowledge. The museum's wide-ranging collections have grown to about eight million objects since.

Unique features: Four vast wings, 43 Greek temple inspired columns, a triangular pediment and enormous steps – the building’s architecture is special. At the heart of the museum sits the largest covered public square in Europe the two-acre Great Court. Just admire the 3,212 panes of glass in the roof (no two of which are the same) and the sculptures on show including an ancient lion and a totem pole.

Visitor highlights: Famous for the mummies and the disputed Elgin Marbles, Benin Bronzes and Easter Island Moai. But there’s much more to see. The museum has brilliant suggestions for what to see if you’ve only got an hour or three, what to see with children or more specialist interests, such as how the British Empire shaped its collection or LGBTQ+ history.

Activities and experiences

Guided tours: Tours include a guided highlights tour that takes in some of the most famous objects on display at the Museum in 90 minutes. There are also specialist tours on some aspects of the museum’s collection. Look online to see what’s on and book.

Exhibits and displays: There are more than 50 galleries to wander around and pique your interest. You can see objects from all round the globe and ancient civilisations showcasing the best – and sometimes worst – of human endeavour and creativity. There are also big, changing, sell out exhibitions of treasures.

Events and programmes: Depending on when you visit, you may be able to watch storytelling sessions, lectures and discussion panels.

Interactive experiences : You can take on a Museum Mission from one of six galleries and challenge your family to a variety of tasks. At the weekends pick up an activity backpack, or a Museum explorer trail from the Families Desk, to guide you around the galleries if you have children with you. There’s also an audio app to allow you to take a self-guided tour.

Visitor information

Opening hours: Open daily, 10.00-17.00 – Fridays 20.30. Last Entry 16.45 Fridays 20.15. Be warned at busy times there can be long queues to get in.

Admission fees: Free to visit the permanent collection. You can book a free timed ticket in advance. Exhibitions around £15.

Facilities : There’s a café in the Great Court plus a restaurant and pizzeria. Outside there are usually a couple of food trucks. Plus, a bookshop and family shop.

Accessibility: Wheelchair reservations and Blue Badge Parking can be booked in advance through the British Museum Ticketing team. An easy access route is available for disabled visitors and visitors with buggies and/or children under five.

Safety tips: There’s a bag search on arrival. Large bags aren’t allowed.