Free – temporary exhibitions are paid.
Usually open 7 days a week
What it is
Museum tags: History; World history; Culture; Architecture
One of the world’s most famous and London’s most visited museum, guiding you through Global history, with artefacts from every corner of the world. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone and the Benin Bronzes. It also hosts exceptional temporary exhibitions, among the best in London.
But on the other hand, much of it doesn’t belong here. A huge amount of the museum’s collection was taken from other countries, with strong links to Britain’s colonial past. Many countries have asked for artefacts shown in the British Museum to be returned.
The British Museum has begun to explore its relationship to colonialism and exploitation in new ways, and you’ll likely come across this in your visit.
All of this means that for some people, the British Museum can feel an uncomfortable visit – a symbol of how we are (or aren’t) coming to terms with our past.
And yet, and yet… it’s still an incredible place to visit. The Easter Island Statue, the Benin Bronzes, the Elgin Marbles, the Rosetta Stone… I’ve lost hours wondering the halls of the British Museum. Their temporary exhibitions, too, are among the best in London.
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