Why visit the British Museum in London in 2024?

In the heart of bustling London, nestled in the Bloomsbury district, stands the British Museum, a temple of knowledge and the collective memory of humanity, and one of the largest and oldest museums in the world. A true sanctuary of history and culture, it attracts millions of visitors from around the globe each year, captivated by its stunning collections and invaluable wealth.

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Founded in 1753, the British Museum today houses a collection of over 8 million unusual, rare, and original objects from all continents and eras. An invaluable treasure that traces the human adventure from its origins to the present day, offering a fascinating journey through the civilizations and cultures that have shaped our world.

From ancient sculptures to Egyptian mummies, samurai armor to Aztec masks, each piece tells a story, whispers a secret, unveils a part of our past. Among the most famous jewels, the Rosetta Stone, key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs, and the Parthenon sculptures from Athens, masterpieces of ancient Greek art, stand as symbols of human ingenuity and genius.

The British Museum is not just a museum; it's an invitation to travel, an exploration of the depths of history and culture. A place where one can lose oneself with delight in the meanders of time, converse with vanished civilizations, and marvel at the beauty and diversity of human heritage.

In 2024, the British Museum promises an even richer and more captivating experience, with unprecedented temporary exhibitions and special events that will delight both young and old.

History of the British Museum

founded on June 7, 1753 - following a donation of over 71,000 objects by physician and scientist Sir Hans Sloane to King George II.

It officially opened its doors to the public on January 15, 1759 and became the world's first national public museum to offer free admission to all.

In the following decades, its collection grew thanks to donations and various acquisitions - but also and especially due to the expansion of the British Empire, during which many valuable objects were looted from different colonies and shipped to England.

In the 1880s, collections related to natural history were transferred to another museum in the South Kensington district: the Natural History Museum.

The British Museum, located in the heart of London, is one of the most important and most visited museums in the world. Its history dates back to the 18th century, and its creation is the result of one man's passion: Sir Hans Sloane.

Sir Hans Sloane, a passionate collector

Renowned physician and botanist, Sir Hans Sloane amassed during his lifetime a collection of objects of invaluable richness from around the world. This collection included over 71,000 objects: ancient artifacts, art objects, botanical specimens, and ancient books.

In 1753, upon the death of Sir Hans Sloane, his collection was bequeathed to the British nation. The British Museum was founded that same year to preserve and make this invaluable treasure available to the public.

A museum in constant evolution

Since its foundation, the British Museum has continuously expanded and enriched itself. New collections have been acquired, new exhibitions have been created, and the building has been enlarged to accommodate the ever-growing number of visitors.

Today, the British Museum houses over eight million objects from all continents and eras. It has become an internationally renowned center for research and education, and a place of wonder and discovery for millions of visitors each year.

A major player in British culture

The British Museum plays an important role in British cultural life. It regularly organizes events, conferences, and workshops, and offers educational programs for children and families.

The museum is also a place of dialogue and exchange between cultures. It organizes exhibitions and events that explore the relationships between the world's different civilizations.

The British Museum in 2024: a museum looking to the future

In 2024, the British Museum continues to innovate and develop. New temporary exhibitions are planned, and the museum is working on digitizing its collections to make them more accessible to the public.

The British Museum is a living museum, constantly evolving. It reflects the diversity and richness of human heritage, and is a place of learning and discovery for all.

Visiting the British Museum is to travel through time and the cultures of the world. It is an unforgettable experience that every visitor to London should indulge in.

Visiting the British Museum

Permanent collections

The British Museum houses a collection of artifacts of invaluable richness, tracing the history of humanity from its origins to the present day. With more than eight million objects from all continents and eras, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the civilizations and cultures that have shaped our world.

Among the most famous pieces in the museum, you will find:

• The Rosetta Stone: this engraved stone, discovered in 1799, enabled the deciphering of Egyptian hieroglyphs, thus opening the door to understanding this fascinating civilization.
• The Parthenon sculptures from Athens: these marble sculptures, dating from the 5th century BC, depict scenes from Greek mythology and are masterpieces of ancient Greek art.
• The mummy of Tutankhamun: discovered in 1922 in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, this mummy is one of the most famous in the world. It offers a unique insight into the life and funerary practices of ancient Egypt.
• Samurai armor: these armors, from feudal Japan, testify to the martial art and warrior culture of the samurai.
• Aztec masks: these stone masks, often adorned with turquoise and feathers, were used during religious ceremonies by the Aztecs, a Mesoamerican civilization.

The British Museum does not just display objects; it tells stories. Each artifact is a precious witness of the past, allowing us to better understand the civilizations that preceded us and the cultures that enrich our world.

On the trail of the pharaohs: ancient Egypt

Dive into the mysteries of ancient Egypt, a fascinating civilization that left an architectural, artistic, and religious legacy of invaluable richness. Admire the mummies, sarcophagi, hieroglyphs, and monumental statues that tell the story of this millennia-old civilization.

Journey through ancient Greece and imperial Rome

Discover the wonders of ancient Greece, the cradle of democracy, philosophy, and the arts. Admire Greek sculptures, painted vases, and architectural remains that testify to the artistic and intellectual genius of this civilization.

Continue your journey into imperial Rome, a military and political power that dominated much of Europe and the Mediterranean. Explore the remains of temples, aqueducts, and Roman villas, and discover the daily life of Roman citizens.

Exploring the Persian Empire and imperial China

Meet the eastern civilizations, rich in traditions and innovations. Explore the treasures of the Persian Empire, with its sculptures, carpets, and refined jewelry. Dive into the fascinating world of imperial China, admiring its ceramics, bronzes, and ancient manuscripts.

The British Museum invites you to explore many other civilizations and cultures, from pre-Columbian America to the Pacific islands, through medieval European art and Islamic cultures. Each section of the museum offers a unique journey through time and space, discovering the infinite riches of human heritage.

Temporary exhibitions

In addition to its permanent collections, the British Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions highlight specific themes and cultures, offering a constantly fresh perspective on the richness of human heritage.

In 2024, don't miss:

• Legion: life in the Roman army - from February 1 to June 23, 2024: this exhibition explores the daily life of Roman soldiers, from their recruitment to their equipment, including their battles and victories.
• Michelangelo: the last decades - from May 2 to July 28, 2024: this exhibition presents the last works of Michelangelo, one of the greatest artists of all time.

The British Museum is an unforgettable experience for anyone interested in history and culture. With its vast and varied collections, captivating exhibitions, and unique atmosphere, it is a must-visit for any visitor to London in 2024.

Practical information

Entry to theBritish Museum is free of charge, except for temporary exhibitions which require a paid ticket.

British Museum

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Opening hours of the British Museum

The British Museum is open all year round:

• Saturday to Thursday: from 10am to 5:30pm
• Friday: from 10am to 8:30pm

Practical tips

• Peak hours: if you visit the museum between 10am and 2pm, there might be a queue at the entrance. It is advisable to arrive early or later in the day to avoid the crowds.
• Visit planning: the British Museum is vast and it's challenging to see everything in one day. Plan your visit in advance by selecting the exhibitions and galleries you wish to prioritize.
• Guided tours: the museum offers both free and paid guided tours. Joining a guided tour is an excellent way to delve deeper into the museum's history and collections.
• Café and shop: take a break at the museum café and explore the shop to purchase souvenirs, books, and postcards.

These tips will help you optimize your visit and fully enjoy the cultural treasures that the British Museum has to offer.

Getting to the British Museum

The British Museum is located on the north bank of the Thames, in the Bloomsbury district, near Covent Garden, close to the famous shopping avenue Oxford Street.

It is easily accessible by public transport, on foot, by bike, by taxi, or by car:

By tube

The 4 closest tube stations to the museum are:

• Tottenham Court Road - Central (red) and Northern (black) lines: 5 minutes' walk
• Holborn - Central (red) and Piccadilly (dark blue) lines: 7 minutes' walk
• Russell Square - Piccadilly (dark blue) line: 7 minutes' walk
• Goodge Street - Northern (black) line: 8 minutes' walk

By bus

The following bus lines pass near the museum:

• New Oxford Street: 1, 8, 19, 25, 38, 55, 98, 242
• Tottenham Court Road (northbound) / Gower Street (southbound): 14, 24, 29, 73, 134, 390
• Southampton Row: 59, 68, X68, 91, 168, 188

On foot

The British Museum is about a 15-minute walk from Covent Garden and 20 minutes from Oxford Street. If you enjoy walking, it's a great way to explore the area and enjoy the lively atmosphere of London.

By taxi or minicab

The famous Black Cab (black taxis) can be pre-booked, hailed on the street, or found at designated taxi ranks around central London. There is a taxi rank on Great Russell Street, in front of the museum's main entrance.

Minicabs must be booked in advance through a licensed private hire operator.

By car

If you plan to come by car, please note that the museum does not have parking, except for visitors with accessibility needs.

By bike

Bike racks are available inside the gates of the main entrance on Great Russell Street.

Near the British Museum

Take advantage of your visit to the British Museum to explore:

• Bloomsbury Gardens: just a short walk from the museum, you can stroll through Bloomsbury Gardens, a verdant haven perfect for a picnic or a relaxing break. You can also admire the Victorian and Georgian architecture of the neighborhood's streets, and discover its many antique shops, bookstores, and art galleries.
• Covent Garden: about a 20-minute walk from the British Museum, you'll find the Covent Garden area. This historic district, known for its pedestrian streets, shops, and street performers, also hosts numerous theaters, restaurants, and bars. It's the ideal spot for a lively evening or to catch a show.
• Russell Square: a large green space with a central fountain, perfect for a picnic or a stroll.
• Fitzrovia: a bohemian neighborhood known for its traditional pubs, international restaurants, and vintage shops.
• Regent's Park: a vast London park with gardens, lakes, and an open-air theater.

The British Museum is an excellent starting point for exploring London on foot. Many neighborhoods and tourist attractions are nearby, allowing you to discover the diversity and richness of the British capital.