The British Museum

Founded in 1753 and free to enter, the British Museum is one of the most visited cultural institutions on earth and a cornerstone of world heritage in central London. Home to a permanent collection of over eight million objects — among the largest and most comprehensive in existence — the museum traces the full sweep of human history, culture, and creativity across every continent and civilisation. Its most celebrated treasures include the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon, the Egyptian mummies, the Lewis Chessmen, the Lindow Man, and the Sutton Hoo helmet. The museum is arranged into departments covering ancient Egypt and Sudan, Greece and Rome, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas, coins and medals, prints and drawings, and Britain through the ages. At the centre of the building lies the spectacular Great Court, redesigned by Norman Foster and opened in 2000, featuring the world’s largest covered public square and the historic circular Reading Room. In addition to its permanent galleries, the British Museum presents a full programme of temporary special exhibitions, public lectures, family workshops, and scholar talks throughout the year. The museum offers a range of ticketed and free guided tours, audio guides in multiple languages, and a dedicated learning programme for schools and families. The museum is open daily and entry to the permanent collection is always free, with advance timed-entry booking recommended to manage visitor flow during peak periods.