Located in London’s Bloomsbury, the British Museum is the UK’s most popular attraction with visitor numbers in excess of 6 million every year. It is also one of the top museums in the world. The museum contains over 8 million works, with the collection spanning human culture from prehistory to the present day. It was established in the 18th century from the private collection of Sir Hans Sloane. As a result of bequests, purchases and British colonisation the collection grew and in the 19th century it was rehoused.
The Museum has over one hundred galleries open to the public occupying 2 miles of exhibition space and covering all areas of human culture. There are departments of Africa, Oceania and Americas, Asia, Britain, Europe and Prehistory and Coins and Medals.
In addition to these and other departments the British Museum has some areas of specialism including the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities outside of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
The iconic British Museum building, as we know it today, is the architectural masterpiece of Sir Robert Smirke, constructed in the 1820s. A prime example of the popular Greek Revival style, the building draws inspiration from the ancient Greek temple of Athena Polias in Priene, Turkey. Its imposing facade, adorned with towering columns and a grand pediment, creates a striking and memorable landmark at the heart of London.
The facade is made up of 44 columns in the ionic order and the pediment above the main entrance is decorated with statues depicting The Progress of Civilisation. The original central reading room courtyard was remodelled in 2005.
The 2-acre Great Court area is enclosed by a magnificent tessellating glass roof designed by the British architectural firm Foster and Partners. It is largest covered public square in Europe.
Address: British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
General Enquiries (Switchboard): 020 7001 9844 (for urgent enquiries).
For specific ticketing/visiting questions, call the Box Office: 020 7030 3300 (Mon–Fri between 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM & 2:30 PM – 5 PM).
Email: Send email (general queries), Send email (press), Send email (schools/families).
Website: British Museum (opens in new window).
The British Museum is centrally located in Bloomsbury, London, and is well-served by various public transport options.
Numerous bus routes have stops very close to the British Museum:
Entry to the permanent collection of the British Museum is free of charge.
The British Museum's general opening hours are:
Opening hours for specific galleries, shops, and food outlets within the museum may vary slightly. It's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
The Bloomsbury Hotel (1 minute): A luxury hotel known for its stylish interior spaces, including The Coral Room bar and Dalloway Terrace, often featuring seasonal installations.
Bloomsbury Square (4 minutes) A green public space with lawns, shrubberies, a children's playground, and statues of politicians. It's a peaceful place to relax amidst the hustle and bustle of London.
Russell Square (4 minutes) A large Georgian square with a statue of its founder, the Duke of Bedford, a plaza, and a water feature. It's a popular spot for people-watching and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Dominion Theatre (5 minutes): A large West End theatre known for hosting major musicals and theatrical productions.
Donmar Warehouse (5 minutes): An intimate and highly regarded theatre known for its critically acclaimed, innovative productions.
Princess Louise (5-7 minutes): A stunning Victorian gin palace in Holborn, renowned for its ornate interior and traditional pub atmosphere.
Russell Square Gardens (5-7 minutes): A large and pleasant Georgian garden square, perfect for a relaxing stroll or sitting on a bench.
Queen Square (7-9 minutes): A tranquil paved square featuring grassy lawns, benches, statues, and commemorative monuments. It's a perfect spot to escape the crowds and enjoy some greenery.
Skoobs Books (7-9 minutes): A large independent secondhand bookshop in The Brunswick Centre, offering a vast selection across various genres.
The Brunswick Centre (7-9 minutes): A distinctive Brutalist shopping and residential complex offering a range of high-street shops, cafes, restaurants, and a cinema.
Covent Garden (10-12 minutes): A vibrant hub known for its street performers, unique shops, market stalls, and numerous restaurants and theatres.
Charles Dickens Museum (10-12 minutes): The former home of the famous Victorian novelist Charles Dickens, now a museum preserving his life and works.
Sir John Soane's Museum (10-12 minutes): A quirky and fascinating museum, the former home of the eccentric architect Sir John Soane, filled with his extensive collection of art, architectural fragments, and antiquities. Entry is free.
British Library (12-15 minutes): The national library of the United Kingdom, housing an immense collection of books, manuscripts, and other written materials, with impressive exhibition galleries.
Wellcome Collection (12-15 minutes): A free museum and library exploring the connections between medicine, life, and art in past, present, and future.
Carnaby Street (12-15 minutes): A famous pedestrianised street in Soho, known for its fashion boutiques, quirky shops, and its association with the "Swinging Sixties."
Oxford Street (12-15 minutes): London's premier shopping street, home to numerous high-street brands and department stores.
