The British Museum
The British Museum promises to make you a fan of museums long before you finish touring its massive collection. Indeed, this landmark is a sight to behold inside and out.
All of this would not be possible, if not for the generosity of Irish physician, naturalist, and collector Sir Hans Sloane. In his will, he bequeathed his entire collection of over 71,000 objects to King George II on behalf of the country. In June 1753, Sloane’s gift became the foundation for the British Museum. It featured books, manuscripts, and natural specimens plus some antiques from Sloane’s collection. King George II contributed these to the Old Royal Library in 1757. Over the years, the British Museum’s collection has grown and has now amassed around 8 million pieces of work. Among its biggest attractions are the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures, and Egyptian mummies. The British Museum is divided into different sections such as Ancient Egypt and Sudan, Greece and Rome, the Middle East, Asia, Coins and Medals, Libraries and Archives, and more. Expansion of the British Museum is never-ending. Among its recent additions for the 21st century are galleries for Europe AD 1050-1540, Chinese ceramics, and even clocks and watches. Indeed, a visit to the British Museum has a lot to offer even if you are not a fan of history. The sheer volume of its collected works will surprise you. Plus, you will learn a lot. The price is another incentive to go as it is free. It has been its practice ever since the museum opened its doors in January 1759. Arrivals to the museum show no signs of slowing down. Records to date indicate an attendance of more than 6 million per year. The diversity of its collection gives you the chance to gain a whole new perspective about the world. Thus, foster in you an appreciation for the past and present. In doing so, possibly inspire you to embrace the future with openness and greater hope for a better tomorrow. TIPS
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Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG
Free
Open Daily: 10am - 5:30pm
Friday: 10am - 8:30pm *The Museum is closed on 1 January, Good Friday (10 April 2020) and 24, 25 & 26 December, but open every other day of the year. Tottenham Court Road Statio
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The Gallery
Nearby
Russell Square8 minutes walk
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Royal Opera House10 minutes walk
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St. Paul's Cathedral18 minutes walk
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