Experience the best of British Museum
Visit the British Museum and explore over two million years of human history through vast collections from Egypt, Greece, Rome, Asia, Africa, and beyond. Opt for a British Museum London pass that includes top London attractions, river cruises and special experiences like Afternoon Tea at the museum for a complete London experience.
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About British Museum
As a highlight of any London museum collection, the British Museum dazzles with its vast array of global artifacts. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of ancient empires or seeking family-friendly adventures, its galleries promise unforgettable encounters with the world’s most celebrated relics.
Did you know?
The British Museum was founded in 1753 and was the first national public museum in the world, welcoming visitors free of charge since its opening.
Its collection spans over two million years of history, with more than 8 million objects from every continent.
The Queen Elizabeth II Great Court is the largest covered public square in Europe, featuring a spectacular glass and steel roof.
The museum’s Reading Room was once used by famous figures like Karl Marx and Mahatma Gandhi for research and study.
The Lewis Chessmen, on display here, are 12th-century Viking chess pieces discovered on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland.
Why visit British Museum?
Plan your visit
Main entrance (Great Russell Street)
The primary entrance to the British Museum is located on Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, WC1B 3DG. This entrance is directly opposite the Museum Tavern and is easily identified by its grand neoclassical columns. It is fully wheelchair accessible, with step-free access, ramps, and automatic doors. Security and bag checks are conducted here for all visitors. This entrance leads directly into the iconic Queen Elizabeth II Great Court.
Montague Place entrance
Situated at the rear of the museum on Montague Place, this entrance is often used for group visits, school groups, and accessible entry. It features step-free access, ramps, and lifts, making it suitable for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. The Montague Place entrance is less crowded and provides direct access to the north side of the museum.
- Regular hours: The British Museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
- Late openings: On Fridays, the museum remains open until 8:30pm for select galleries and exhibitions.
- Last entry: Final admission is 15 minutes before closing time.
- Special closures: The museum is closed on 24, 25, and 26 December and 1 January. Some galleries may close earlier for special events or maintenance, so it’s best to check the official website before your visit.
Lockers
Small coin-operated lockers are available near the entrance for coats and small bags. There is no staffed cloakroom and no storage for large luggage or suitcases.
Audioguides
Audio guides are available for purchase as a digital app, covering key highlights and multiple languages.
Souvenir shop
A souvenir and gift shop is located near the main entrance, offering books, gifts, and exclusive museum merchandise.
Dining outlets
Dining outlets, including the Great Court Restaurant and cafés, are available for meals, snacks, and refreshments.
Toilets
Toilets are available throughout the museum, but may be busy during peak times.
Wifi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the museum. Connect to 'British Museum WiFi'.
First aid
A first aid room is available. Please contact any staff member if you require medical assistance.
Information desk
Information desks are located in the Great Court and at key points throughout the museum for visitor assistance.
Lost and found
Lost and found services are available at the information desk in the Great Court.
Wheelchair available
Wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge. Advance booking is recommended, especially during busy periods.
Wheelchair accessible
The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with step-free entrances, ramps, and lifts to all public galleries.
Strollers allowed
Strollers and pushchairs are allowed throughout the museum. Lifts are available for access to all floors.
Service animals allowed
Service animals are welcome in all areas of the museum.
Elevator access
Elevator access is available to all public floors and galleries.
Photography
Photography is allowed for personal, non-commercial use in most galleries. However, flash photography is strictly prohibited, especially near sensitive artifacts. Always check for signage in special exhibitions or galleries where photography may not be permitted.
Flash photography
Flash photography is not allowed anywhere in the museum to protect delicate artifacts.
Videography
Videography for personal use is generally permitted, but may be restricted in certain galleries or special exhibitions. Commercial filming requires prior permission.
Drones
Drones are not permitted anywhere on museum premises.
Outside food and drinks
Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the museum galleries. You may bring bottled water. Dining outlets are available within the museum.
Pets
Pets are not allowed inside the museum. Only service animals are permitted.
Service animals
Service animals are welcome throughout the museum.
Weapons
Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited for the safety of all visitors.
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Experience the British Museum with Dex
The British Museum Dex experience is an interactive self-guided tour available exclusively with selected British Museum admission tickets booked through Headout.
Put on your earphones and follow a story that unfolds through the museum’s galleries, connecting the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, and the Egyptian mummies with the smaller objects and inscriptions that most visitors pass in the same rooms. Historical and fictional characters lead you through stories of the decipherment of hieroglyphs; the Assyrian kings carved into the lion-hunt reliefs; the Sutton Hoo ship burial; the Lewis Chessmen; the moai Hoa Hakananai'a; and the arguments about where these objects belong, accompanied by original music and immersive sound design.
How Dex guides you through the museum
- Dex uses your phone’s location to guide you along a recommended route covering the Great Court, the Egyptian sculpture gallery, the Parthenon galleries, the Assyrian reliefs, the Egyptian mummies, Sutton Hoo, and the Enlightenment gallery.
- As you reach each location, it automatically begins the story connected to what you are seeing.
- The route is only the starting point. When an object, an inscription, or a carved figure catches your attention, pause and ask your Dex guide a question.
- Photograph a supported object, relief, or inscription to uncover more about it, open a related story, or return to the route when you are ready.
- Dex also points you towards recommended viewpoints, photo spots, galleries, and cases that most visitors walk past on the way to the highlights. You decide when to pause, where to go deeper, and when to continue.
How Dex differs from an audio guide and a group tour
An audio guide gives you a collection of prepared recordings. Dex builds those stories into a location-aware route, automatically connects them to what is around you, and lets you ask questions or investigate supported objects along the way.
A group tour gives you live interpretation from a human guide while following a scheduled departure, shared route, and group pace.
Dex offers a different experience: a structured tour that you can begin when you choose, pause whenever something interests you, and explore at your own pace. Choose Dex if you want the direction and storytelling of a guided visit with the freedom to explore the museum independently.
Unlock the British Museum Dex
Selected British Museum admission tickets booked through Headout unlock the complete British Museum Dex experience at no additional cost. It is not available as a standalone purchase or with tickets bought elsewhere. After booking:
- Download the Dex app.
- Sign in with your Headout details.
- The British Museum experience will unlock automatically.
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