The British Museum is located in the heart of London and is easily accessible by train. Nicknamed ‘a historian’s treasure trove’ the museum houses a huge showcase of global antiquities. Featured in many British history television programs, the collection is unique and contains over 8 million objects.
Featuring Egyptian mummies, Greek sculptures and medieval objects, the museum was first open to the public in 1959 when it began expanding over 250 years as a result of British colonialisation. It was the first Natural History Museum and hosts different departments to separate the artefacts by origin. The building itself is to be admired for its architecture!
Some of the exhibits are featured all year round, but the British Museum website gives you a better idea of what special exhibitions are featured that month. It is possible to get private morning tours before the museum opens or explore the museum late on Fridays. Typically, the museum is open 10 am till 5.30pm and till 8.30pm on Fridays. The museum estimates that it takes three to four hours to look around everything and you’re allowed to take photos unless told otherwise.
The highlight of the tour is said to be the Rosetta Stone, a significant granodiorite stele artefact discovered in 1799 and thought to have been calved in 196 B.C. The writing is in two languages and three scripts and helped decipher the hieroglyphics and tell us more about Egyptian history.
The museum is free to enter, although donations are welcome, and groups of 10 or more people must book their visit in advance. Bags and rucksacks are searched before entry for your safety and luggage storage is available for a small charge at all major rail stations including Euston, King’s Cross and Charing Cross. Alternatively, you’re welcome to leave bags at the hotel.
For more information, visit: www.britishmuseum.org