In this article, I present the British Museumthe world's largest history museum, with a collection of over 7 million objects!
Here you'll find
- A presentation of the British Museum
- What you can see on your visit
- How to get there
- Practical information: prices, opening hours, reservations
- Things to see and do in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about the British Museum, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!

British Museum: article summary
British Museum: 2 million years of human history and culture
Rare are the museums as complete and impressive than the British Museum in London, which houses over 7 million objects from all over the world, offering a vision of human history spanning more than 2 million years.
This is one of the oldest museums in the worldIt's the most visited site in Britain, and for me a must-see for any holiday. visit London.
Let me introduce you to it and tell you how to discover it in the best conditions!
Introducing the British Museum
The British Museum has opened its doors in 1753Thanks to the collection of various donors, we are able to display rare items and precious elements of history and culture to the widest possible public.
In the space of just 3 hours, we show you the the best of the historic center of London (must-sees + secret spots) with a French-speaking guide just for you.
The first is Sir Hans Sloanea doctor and great collector, followed by explorers, navigators or ambassadors such as Captain Cook, Lore Elgin and William Hamilton.
Using whatever they could find, buy or bring back from their travels to the ends of the earth, these individuals have filled this British MuseumIn the following centuries, this collection was constantly expanded through the various acquisitions made by the country's administration.
From ancient Egypt to imperial China, from the Greek world to the Roman Empire, via the wonders of Mesopotamia, an immense collection of objects from sub-Saharan Africa and a gigantic zone devoted to South-East Asia, South Korea and Japan, we visit all continents through their respective cultures and histories.
Don't miss this unusual placea veritable storehouse of knowledge for mankind.
Facts and figures about this British Museum
- It welcomes more than 6 million visitors / year
- About 50,000 items are permanently on display
- The exhibition of terracotta soldiers from the mausoleum of the 1er emperor of China is the one that attracted the most peopleahead of Tutankhamun's
- The Great Hall, now called Grand Court Elizabeth IIEurope's largest indoor arena
What can you see in the British Museum?
It's impossible to list everything you can discover in this British Museum so extensive are its collections. You'll come across marvels from all over the world, grouped by country, continent or theme, with some of the most important treasures in human history.
Here's an overview of the museum's organization and must-have pieces!
Ancient Egypt
In 7 galleries, you'll learn more about Egyptian customs (sarcophagi, mummification, etc.), find out about unusual Egyptian architecture and, above all, see the famous Rosetta Stone used to decipher the Hieroglyphics.
Asia
Two rooms are reserved Japan and KoreaThe others allow you to immerse yourself in Indian and Chinese cultures and traditions, to discover the continent's first peoples and to understand how the countries of the world were formed. Southeast Asiaand much more in this express trip to Asia.
The Middle East
With relics from Mesopotamia, Persia and Syria, tablets and bas-reliefs recounting stories of the past and statues, busts and antique furniture, it's easy to get lost in the world of ancient art. the thirteen galleries of this zone, or are only exposed that 4,500 items.
Ancient Greece
Even if you are familiar with GreeceWith its rich culture and statues, it's impressive to see such a collection in the British Museum. 24 rooms, more than 100,000 objects, and marbles, columns, ruins and tombs that have contributed to the creation of our culture.
Ancient Rome
Like Greece, the roman empire has contributed so much to the modern world that it's impossible to sum it all up in just a few rooms. However, in the rooms devoted to Ancient Rome, we discover priceless relics, including jewels, weapons and statues, which give a good idea of the importance of this culture in our history.
Sub-Saharan Africa, Oceania and the Americas
These three cultures are grouped together in a single section, as the collection is less extensive. However, this area allows us to cross-reference rare objects from the Inca culture or pre-Columbian cultures, objects from Black African artand little-known works by the peoples of Oceania.
Europe
Numerous exhibits reveal how the company was built. our European cultureWe've taken you on a journey down the centuries, through Viking, Baltic, Celtic and other major peoples' artefacts, to arrive at what we know today.
Temporary exhibitions
With its millions of objects, the British Museum can organize themed exhibitions regularly. In 2023, we could see from Persia to Greece as well as an exhibition devoted to the Chinese 19th century.
Clearly, the best way to visit the British Museum is to take part in a guided tour. If you don't, you'll miss out on a whole host of anecdotes, seemingly unimportant objects and treasures that deserve to be explained!
How do I get to the British Museum?
The British Museum is located at the following address, in the district of Bloomsburry (north of Soho): Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
You can get there easily via :
- The metroCentral and Northern lines, Tottenham Court Road stop; Picadilly lines, Holborn or Russell Square stop
- By busLines 1, 8, 19, 25, 38, 55, 98, 242 to New Oxford Street. 14, 24, 29, 73, 134, 390 to Tottenham Court Road and Gower Street. 59, 68, X68, 91, 168, 188 to Southampton Row.
- By cab
British Museum: prices, opening hours and practical information
Here's what you need to know to enjoy your visit to this exceptional museum.
Rates and booking
Admission to the British Museum is free of charge !
However, there's nothing like guided tour to discover as much as you can, with the right guide. As part of a small group, you'll take part in a tour of 2h to 2h30with a fascinating guide.
You'll ask him questions, listen to his many anecdotes and come away with a head full of new knowledge. It's the best!
- Guided tour for groups of 20 people maximum : adult 28 euros / child (4 to 15 years) 17 euros
- Guided tour for groups of 8 people maximum : adult 101 euros / youth (10 to 17 years) 17 euros / child (0 to 9 years) 80 euros
Reservations are mandatory and you can choose a time and date to suit you.
You'll receive your tickets immediately on your mobile devices, and all you have to do is get to the meeting point 10 minutes before the scheduled time. It's near the red phone booth closest to the main gate,
Opening hours
The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Fridays until 8:30pm.
Practical information
There is a security search at the entrance, so make sure you don't have any prohibited items.
No touching the works and no eating or drinking in the galleries!
What to see and do in the area?
Around this British Museum, several attractions might catch your eye. Here are my suggestions:
- Visit British Libraryone of the world's largest libraries, will enchant book lovers and the curious alike.
- The famous station King's Crosswith its well-known dock for fans of the saga Harry Potter
- Visit Charles Dickens Museumthe Georgian-era home of the famous writer, who now rests at Westminster Abbey
What to do in London in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special London guide.
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