The British Museum

The British Museum is the UK’s leading history and archaeology museum, located in the Bloomsbury district of London. In this article, we will provide a detailed account of its history and the fascinating experiences it offers visitors. Readers will discover the museum’s exact location, as well as the galleries and exhibitions it houses.

The History of the British Museum

One of the oldest and most famous museums in the world opened back in the 18th century and became the first national museum open to everyone—not just scholars, but ordinary people too. It was founded in 1753 on the initiative of the British Parliament. The museum came into being as a result of the will of Sir Hans Sloane — a physician, naturalist and collector who bequeathed his collection to the British state for a symbolic fee of 20,000 pounds sterling.

The museum officially opened to the public on 15 January 1759. It was housed in Montague House in London. It was this building that became the first home for the museum’s exhibits. The museum was founded on three collections:

• Sir Hans Sloane’s collection, comprising approximately 71,000 items, including literary works, manuscripts, natural specimens, ancient artefacts, coins and engravings;
• the library of the antiquarian Robert Cotton;
• and the collection of the Earl of Robert Harley.

Over time, the collection was expanded through archaeological excavations, colonial acquisitions, donations from private collections, and purchases. Among the most significant acquisitions were the ancient vases of William Hamilton (1772), the ‘Townley Marbles’ (1804, 1814), the Greville mineral collection (1810), and the Parthenon sculptures and reliefs (1814–1815), which belonged to Lord Elgin.

In the 19th century, the museum experienced a period of rapid growth. The collection was divided into departments, including a numismatic department comprising coins and medals from various countries and eras. The zoological, botanical, geological and mineralogical departments were spun off into an independent Natural History Museum, and in 1845 they were relocated to South Kensington.

The current museum building was constructed between 1823 and 1847 on the site of Montague House. The design was by the architect Robert Smerk, who designed the building in the Classical style (‘Greek Revival’).

At the beginning of the 20th century, the museum expanded its collection of Middle Eastern art thanks to excavations in Mesopotamia. In 1920, a research laboratory was established to assess the condition of exhibits for their subsequent restoration.

In 1972, following a decision by the British Parliament, the library was separated from the museum and moved to a separate building. Towards the end of the 20th century, the museum’s interior was redesigned in accordance with a project by Norman Foster — the famous glass mesh dome over the Great Court was installed.

In 2024, the London Museum received a major donation in the form of a collection of Chinese porcelain, valued at approximately £1 billion. Today, its collection spans the history of human culture from ancient civilisations to the present day.

What is there to see at the British Museum?

The British Museum houses cultural artefacts from every continent, ranging from ancient Egypt to classical Greece, from prehistoric tools to objects from more recent eras. The museum’s collection comprises over eight million items, many of which illustrate how society has evolved over time and across different regions.

Galleries

The British Museum’s galleries are like mini-museums within the larger museum. There are over 60 of them, each dedicated to a specific culture, era or region of the world. Here’s what makes them special:

• Egyptian sculpture gallery — here you can see the famous Rosetta Stone and huge statues of pharaohs, which seem to transport you back to the era of ancient Egypt.

• The Sainsbury Africa Galleries — a collection of African art and everyday objects that tell the story of the incredible diversity of cultures across the African continent.
• Roman Empire and Greek galleries — rooms featuring ancient Roman and Greek sculptures, vases and reliefs, illustrating the daily life of people in antiquity.
• China and South Asia — a gallery showcasing Chinese and South Asian artefacts, including ceramics, carved stones and objects of religious significance.
• Medieval Europe and Europe 1400–1900 — European collections that allow visitors to trace the development of art and culture on the continent.

Each gallery tells a little story. Even if you spend the whole day there, it’s hard to see everything.

Exhibitions

In addition to its permanent galleries, The British Museum regularly organises exhibitions and temporary displays — these are special projects that run for several months and are dedicated to a specific theme or era. One of the museum’s latest exhibitions, ‘Hawaiʻi: Kingdom Crossing Oceans’, runs from January to May 2026 and explores Hawaiian culture and its connections with the wider world.

Another exhibition — on the Samurai — is dedicated to the history and art of the samurai, including their armour and weapons. The museum organises not only temporary exhibitions but also events, guided tours, lectures and family programmes, making a visit even more interesting.

Where is The British Museum?

The British Museum is situated in the heart of London, in the Bloomsbury district. This is a lively part of the city, known for its universities, bookshops and quiet, leafy courtyards. The main entrance is on Great Russell Street, a street lined with cafés, theatres and historic buildings, making the walk to the museum a pleasant experience even before you step inside. The University of London, Russell Square, Covent Garden and Soho are all just a few minutes’ walk away.

Map of The British Museum

The British Museum map is not just a floor plan of the building, but a proper guide to the vast space, featuring numerous galleries, floors and useful points of interest for visitors. It shows the layout of the museum’s levels — from the basement to the upper floors, where a wide variety of galleries and collections are housed. The map indicates the locations of staircases, lifts, cafés, shops, the cloakroom and information points. The map makes it easier to move between floors and reduces the risk of getting lost.

The Great Court takes centre stage on the map — a large indoor space beneath a glass dome, around which the main entrances, cafés and shops are situated. From here, you can access different floors and begin your journey through the galleries: from Ancient Egypt to Classical Antiquities, from Asia to Europe. The map also shows staff and family areas — for example, the Ford Centre for Young Visitors and educational spaces located on the lower levels, which are open on specific days for families with children.

The main levels are as follows:

1. Lower floor — this is where the family and children’s areas, educational spaces and part of the African collection are located.
2. Ground floor — the busiest level: the Great Court, cafés, shops, information desks and access to many galleries with ancient collections.
3. Upper floors — this is where the main galleries are concentrated, featuring artefacts from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the ancient world and other regions, including rooms with ancient Greek, Sumerian and Chinese ceramics.

The map helps you locate key galleries, such as the Egyptian sculpture or the Parthenon, and navigate between levels using the staircases, lifts and the central staircase in the Great Court. It also highlights all useful facilities: toilets, rest areas, accessible areas for visitors with reduced mobility, and zones with cafés or restaurants. This makes it an essential tool for planning your visit and helps ensure you don’t miss out on what’s truly interesting.

How do I get to the British Museum?

The British Museum is easy to visit, as it is located in central London and is well connected by public transport. All you need to do is choose the most convenient way to get there.

Underground

The nearest stations to the museum are Tottenham Court Road (Central and Northern lines), Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines), and Russell Square (Piccadilly line).

Bus

There are numerous routes in the city centre that stop near Great Russell Street, including the 1, 8, 19, 25, 38, 55, 98, 242 and 390.

Train

The nearest railway station is London Euston. From there, you can reach the museum on foot or by bus in 10–15 minutes

By taxi, bicycle or on foot

Taxis offer convenient direct access to the main entrance via Great Russell Street. In addition, there are bicycle parking facilities and Santander Cycles stations near the museum.

It is also easy to reach on foot: it is located in the Bloomsbury area, which is an easy 5-minute walk from Tottenham Court Road Underground station.

The museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility; all lifts and entrances have ramps.

Information for visitors

Before visiting the British Museum, it is worth checking its opening hours and ticket prices. We also recommend finding out which hotels and restaurants are nearby.

Opening hours

The British Museum is open every day from 10:00 to 17:30. Last admission is at 17:00. On Fridays, the museum stays open later – until 20:30.

Tickets

Entry to the museum is free, but it is still advisable to book tickets online in advance, particularly during peak periods. There may be a charge for visiting temporary exhibitions. Prices are listed on the specific exhibition page when booking.

Approximate prices are:

• for adults – £15–£25;
• for students and senior citizens – £12–£20;
• for young people – £12–£18.

Admission is usually free for children under 16.

Hotels near The British Museum

A few good hotels near The British Museum:

1. The Bloomsbury Hotel – a luxury hotel located just a 5-minute walk away.
2. Radisson Blu Edwardian, Kenilworth – comfortable accommodation in central London.
3. Holiday Inn London – Bloomsbury – a convenient option for families.

Restaurants

A list of restaurants worth considering when planning a visit to The British Museum:

1. Court Cafés – the menu features sandwiches, salads, pastries and drinks. Open daily from 10:00 to 17:00.
2. Great Court Restaurant – a venue with a more formal atmosphere; advance booking is required.
3. Pizzeria – visitors can enjoy pizza, salads and desserts.
4. Coffee Lounge – lunch with a view of the Great Court.
5. Outdoor dining – a venue offering food trucks, snacks and drinks.

Parking

There is no car park next to the museum; it is recommended to use public transport or nearby paid city car parks:

1. NCP London Bloomsbury Square – a large car park in Bloomsbury Square.
2. NCP London Brunswick Square – another popular car park just north of the museum, also within walking distance.
3. YourParkingSpace (Royal National Hotel) – private parking spaces near the Royal National Hotel, which can be booked in advance via the service.
4. YourParkingSpace (Parker Mews) – a car park in the Parker Mews area.

Contact details and postcode

Address: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7323 8299

Email: [email protected]

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