British Museum
Two million years of human history and culture, from the Rosetta Stone to the Parthenon sculptures.
Founded by Act of Parliament in 1753 around the collection of the physician Sir Hans Sloane, the British Museum opened to the public in 1759 as one of the first free national museums in the world. Its collection now runs to around eight million objects documenting human history and culture across every continent, from prehistoric tools to modern works.
The present building grew through the 19th century to Sir Robert Smirke's Greek Revival design, fronted by a colonnaded portico on Great Russell Street. At its heart lies the Queen Elizabeth II Great Court, where Foster + Partners enclosed the former courtyard beneath a vast glass-and-steel roof in 2000, surrounding the historic circular Reading Room. Entry to the permanent galleries is free.
Highlights
- Rosetta Stone
- Parthenon sculptures
- Egyptian mummies and sculpture
- Queen Elizabeth II Great Court and Reading Room
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