The British Museum
Explore the British Museum's global cultures. Dive into traditions and enjoy British afternoon tea at the Great Court Restaurant. Sip tea, savor sandwiches, sweet treats, and scones with cream and jam. Opt for Prosecco to elevate your experience!
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Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
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Explore 8 million artifacts, from ancient wonders to cultural gems, a paradise for anyone passionate about history and art.
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Travel through 60 galleries spanning Egypt, Africa, Greece, Rome & Asia without stepping outside London.
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Visit the iconic Great Court and Reading Room, once used by legends like Arthur Conan Doyle—it's history under a glass roof.
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Discover how cultures approach life and death in the Living and Dying Gallery, packed with rituals, cures, and eerie funeral practices.
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Pick from entry-only, entry ticket with audio guide or Headout's interactive audio guide app, small-group tour, or priority access with the British Museum audio tour.
More details
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Explore 8 million artifacts, from ancient wonders to cultural gems, a paradise for anyone passionate about history and art.
-
Travel through 60 galleries spanning Egypt, Africa, Greece, Rome & Asia without stepping outside London.
-
Visit the iconic Great Court and Reading Room, once used by legends like Arthur Conan Doyle—it's history under a glass roof.
-
Discover how cultures approach life and death in the Living and Dying Gallery, packed with rituals, cures, and eerie funeral practices.
-
Pick from entry-only, entry ticket with audio guide or Headout's interactive audio guide app, small-group tour, or priority access with the British Museum audio tour.
-
Time travel through history at the British Museum, from ancient Egypt to the Renaissance, and then ascend to new heights on the London Eye.
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Perfect for solo travelers, families, and groups, explore two of London’s iconic attractions at your own pace.
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Compared to buying individual tickets, you can save money on this budget-friendly combo and enjoy seamless entry to both attractions.
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Learn from informative displays at both attractions and travel easily between both attractions via public transport for a well-planned itinerary.
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Perfect for photography enthusiasts who can capture impressive photos of ancient artifacts and modern landmarks.
More details
-
Time travel through history at the British Museum, from ancient Egypt to the Renaissance, and then ascend to new heights on the London Eye.
-
Perfect for solo travelers, families, and groups, explore two of London’s iconic attractions at your own pace.
-
Compared to buying individual tickets, you can save money on this budget-friendly combo and enjoy seamless entry to both attractions.
-
Learn from informative displays at both attractions and travel easily between both attractions via public transport for a well-planned itinerary.
-
Perfect for photography enthusiasts who can capture impressive photos of ancient artifacts and modern landmarks.
5% off
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Explore 6000 years of history at the British Museum and learn about the art and culture of the world, from Europe to Asia.
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Marvel at the glass roof at the Great Court, a work of art in itself, and see the famous Rosetta Stone used to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphics.
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See the Mummy of Katebet, the double-headed Aztec serpent, among the eight million artifacts present there.
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Glace at the controversial Parthenon Sculptures, taken from the Acropolis in Athens, and discover Assyrian galleries among others during your tour.
More details
-
Explore 6000 years of history at the British Museum and learn about the art and culture of the world, from Europe to Asia.
-
Marvel at the glass roof at the Great Court, a work of art in itself, and see the famous Rosetta Stone used to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphics.
-
See the Mummy of Katebet, the double-headed Aztec serpent, among the eight million artifacts present there.
-
Glace at the controversial Parthenon Sculptures, taken from the Acropolis in Athens, and discover Assyrian galleries among others during your tour.
- Step into a world of elegance and history for a small-group afternoon tea experience, surrounded by ancient artifacts, perfect for those wanting an intimate experience.
- Delight your senses with a tantalizing spread of freshly prepared finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones.
- Indulge your taste buds with a curated selection of exquisite and exotic blends, expertly paired to complement your afternoon tea treats.
- Explore the museum’s vast collection of art and artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon Sculptures, before or after your experience.
- Make your experience even more memorable with an upgrade to a glass of prosecco, adding a touch of luxury to your Afternoon Tea.
More details
- Step into a world of elegance and history for a small-group afternoon tea experience, surrounded by ancient artifacts, perfect for those wanting an intimate experience.
- Delight your senses with a tantalizing spread of freshly prepared finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones.
- Indulge your taste buds with a curated selection of exquisite and exotic blends, expertly paired to complement your afternoon tea treats.
- Explore the museum’s vast collection of art and artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon Sculptures, before or after your experience.
- Make your experience even more memorable with an upgrade to a glass of prosecco, adding a touch of luxury to your Afternoon Tea.
-
Maximise your experience with priority entry to the British Museum, allowing you to spend more time exploring on your own.
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Enjoy an introductory tour and hear about the Night at the Museum filming spot and other highlights, including the Easter Island statue and the crystal skull.
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Learn about Chinese scrolls and ancient Egyptian mummies through informational displays in addition to your audio guide.
More details
-
Maximise your experience with priority entry to the British Museum, allowing you to spend more time exploring on your own.
-
Enjoy an introductory tour and hear about the Night at the Museum filming spot and other highlights, including the Easter Island statue and the crystal skull.
-
Learn about Chinese scrolls and ancient Egyptian mummies through informational displays in addition to your audio guide.
-
Witness the grandeur of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London and the Parthenon Sculptures at the British Museum first-hand with this combo ticket.
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A history buff’s dream, learn about the dark past of Britain, and other global civilizations, including Greece and China with a visit to both attractions.
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Enjoy priority entry at the British Museum, allowing more time to see ancient artifacts, and explore the Tower of London at your own pace.
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Learn about the White Tower, the castle keep, through informational displays, and the Rosetta Stone, through your multilingual audio guide.
More details
-
Witness the grandeur of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London and the Parthenon Sculptures at the British Museum first-hand with this combo ticket.
-
A history buff’s dream, learn about the dark past of Britain, and other global civilizations, including Greece and China with a visit to both attractions.
-
Enjoy priority entry at the British Museum, allowing more time to see ancient artifacts, and explore the Tower of London at your own pace.
-
Learn about the White Tower, the castle keep, through informational displays, and the Rosetta Stone, through your multilingual audio guide.
5% off
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Uncover London's treasures on this private British Museum and National Gallery tour, delve into history and art with an expert English-speaking guide.
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Enjoy reserved entries, skipping the long queues—benefit from the guidance of your personal expert, navigating the vast collections with ease and depth.
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At the British Museum, explore an amazing array of artefacts that span human history, featuring the Rosetta Stone and the Moai from Easter Island.
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Explore the National Gallery's artistic marvels from Da Vinci to Van Gogh and decode hidden meanings in world-famous paintings.
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Did you know? The British Museum is older than the United States of America. It was established in 1753, 23 years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
More details
-
Uncover London's treasures on this private British Museum and National Gallery tour, delve into history and art with an expert English-speaking guide.
-
Enjoy reserved entries, skipping the long queues—benefit from the guidance of your personal expert, navigating the vast collections with ease and depth.
-
At the British Museum, explore an amazing array of artefacts that span human history, featuring the Rosetta Stone and the Moai from Easter Island.
-
Explore the National Gallery's artistic marvels from Da Vinci to Van Gogh and decode hidden meanings in world-famous paintings.
-
Did you know? The British Museum is older than the United States of America. It was established in 1753, 23 years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
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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.
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 10:00am to 5:00pm.
Late Openings: On Fridays, the museum remains open until 8:30pm for select galleries and exhibitions.
Last Entry: Final admission is 30 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.
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.
Audio guides are available for purchase as a digital app, covering key highlights and multiple languages.
A souvenir and gift shop is located near the main entrance, offering books, gifts, and exclusive museum merchandise.
Dining outlets, including the Great Court Restaurant and cafés, are available for meals, snacks, and refreshments.
Toilets are available throughout the museum, but may be busy during peak times.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the museum. Connect to 'British Museum WiFi'.
A first aid room is available. Please contact any staff member if you require medical assistance.
Information desks are located in the Great Court and at key points throughout the museum for visitor assistance.
Lost and found services are available at the information desk in the Great Court.
Wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge. Advance booking is recommended, especially during busy periods.
The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with step-free entrances, ramps, and lifts to all public galleries.
Strollers and pushchairs are allowed throughout the museum. Lifts are available for access to all floors.
Service animals are welcome in all areas of the museum.
Elevator access is available to all public floors and galleries.
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