Visiting the British Museum: Why It’s a Must-See
The British Museum ranks as one of the world’s oldest museums and probably one of the most controversial ones. It houses some of the most incredible finds, like the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and Parthenon sculptures. Visiting the British Museum was very high on my list of things to do in London.
No matter what you think about the museum, it’s a place worth exploring simply for the art housed here. If you’re planning a trip to London, here’s everything you need to know about what to see at the British Museum — plus tips for making the most of your visit.
History of the British Museum
The British Museum is the legacy of Sir Hans Sloane, who, at the ripe age of 92, donated his collection of some 70,000+ objects to the British nation. Born in Ireland, Sloane was a physician, naturalist and avid collector.
His extensive collection was the basis for the founding of the British Museum, as well as the British Library and the Natural History Museum. How cool is that? He travelled as a well-renowned physician and managed to amass his collection from distant places. I’m so glad people like him existed so we can enjoy what they left behind.
The British Museum was the first national public museum in the world, providing free admission to the public since it opened in 1759. It is still a popular destination, with over 6 million visitors visiting its exhibitions annually. I think I would be there a lot if I lived in London.
Expansion of the British Museum collection
The 19th century brought new high-profile acquisitions and expansion. Along with the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon pieces and classical sculptures, the donation of the King’s Library by George IV added to the collection. Additions of Assyrian excavations, British and medieval objects, and oriental art and items made things crowded.
As the number of artifacts grew, it prompted a much-needed addition and reconstruction to the museum. Today’s building design, including the Reading Room, dates to 1857.
During the 20th and 21st centuries, the museum additions included guides, lectures, and further expansions. This includes the magnificent Queen Elizabeth II Great Court, which was originally meant to be a garden. Over time, it was filled with book stacks and the original courtyard was forgotten. This renovation opened up the museum space to the public once again.
Top things to see at the British Museum
The British Museum is home to several very significant items. Their discoveries and subsequent preservation have allowed us to understand the past and learn about old cultures. I have always loved museums, and the opportunity to visit a place with so many unique items was just too tempting.
The Rosetta Stone
When it comes to discovering key archeological artifacts, the Rosetta Stone takes the top spot as one of the most famous archaeological finds. The stone, discovered in 1799 by Napoleon’s troops, gets its name from where they found it, Rosetta. It then made its way to the British Museum, where it has been housed since 1802.
The Rosetta Stone is a giant slab called a stele, carved in three different scripts and used in Egypt at the time of its creation in 196 BC. The languages inscribed on the stone are Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, Demotic script, and Ancient Greek. The carvings are a priestly decree establishing the royal cult of Ptolemy V as the ruler of Egypt.
You see, over time, all knowledge of Egyptian Hieroglyphics had disappeared. Finding the Rosetta Stone allowed experts to use the Ancient Greek inscription as a key to deciphering the rest of the text. This find also made the translation of the pictorial writing system possible.
The Parthenon sculptures
The British Museum is home to the Parthenon sculptures brought here from Greece by Lord Elgin, who was the ambassador to the Ottoman sultan Selim III. He brought a collection of objects from the Parthenon back to England in the early 1800s, but many question the acquisition and the legality of removing them from Greece.
The Greek government has been requesting the return of the sculptures so they can be displayed alongside other Parthenon artifacts in Athens. However, the British Museum officials maintain the sculptures were legally acquired and that their return would not be in the best interest of the collection. Hence, the ongoing controversy.
The Parthenon was a significant architectural marvel with impressive displays of artwork that influenced the cultures that came after. I found it very impressive while we were in Athens. Having said that, I also loved getting close to the statues and freezes at the British Museum. After all, their beauty is worthy of admiration and study. Regardless of how you feel about their location, seeing them in person is an experience.
The Egyptian mummies
Out of all the cultures I studied in school, Ancient Egypt was probably the only one I didn’t get a chance to delve into. I’ve been fascinated by it all my life. Any time there is an Egyptian exhibit, I jump at the opportunity. While Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum has an extensive collection from Egypt, the British Museum’s collection is truly spectacular.
There are over 120 human mummies, 80 of them directly from Egypt, and over 300 animal mummies. Despite the ghastly mummy unwrapping parties so popular in England at the time, all mummies at the museum have their original wrappings. Nothing has been unwrapped since the 1790s, and rightfully so. While the mummies donated as part of Hans Sloan’s collection were fake, the museum acquired real ones later. The collection is so popular that it even appeared in the Night at the Museum movie.
Lesser-known gems worth seeing
Beyond the famous exhibits, don’t miss these hidden treasures:
- The Lewis Chessmen – medieval chess pieces carved from walrus ivory
- Sutton Hoo burial treasures – Anglo-Saxon artifacts from a royal ship burial
- Samurai armour – stunning Japanese protective gear
- Assyrian lion hunt reliefs – detailed stone carvings from ancient Iraq
- The Enlightenment Gallery (Room 1) – shows how people collected and studied objects
Plan Your Visit to the British Museum
Hours, tickets and location
The British Museum is located in the Bloomsbury area of London. Here’s what you need to know:
- Address: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
- Hours: Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm (until 8:30 pm on Fridays)
- Entry Fee: Free admission (donations welcome)
- Website: www.britishmuseum.org
How to get here
The museum is easy to reach by public transport:
- Nearest Tube Stations: Tottenham Court Road, Holborn, Russell Square
- Bus Routes: Many buses stop nearby on New Oxford Street and Southampton Row
Tips for visiting the British Museum
There are tons of exhibits here, and it’s impossible to see them all in one day. To avoid getting overwhelmed by the size and many exhibits, visit the British Museum on a few trips. After all, entry is free.
For the best experience:
- Visit on weekday mornings for smaller crowds
- Pick up a free map at the entrance
- Consider joining a guided tour for deeper insights
- Take breaks in the Great Court when you need to rest
Final thoughts on visiting the British Museum
The British Museum stands as one of London’s top museums to visit. With its mix of famous and lesser-known treasures, there’s something for everyone. The best part is you can come back many times, each time seeing something new. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for an interesting day out in London, the British Museum deserves a spot on your list.
