A Complete Guide to The British Museum of London
The word museum originates from the Ancient Greek museion meaning “Temple of the Muses”. In ancient times, the nine Muses were the inspirational goddesses of literature, science and the arts. So it is fitting today that we have inherited the word museum from them and given it to our British Museum in London.
The British Museum in London is home to treasures from all over the world and you could easily spend weeks exploring them. Their collection covers two million years of history across six continents! Best of all, entry to the museum is free to everyone. So, what are you waiting for?
Whilst in London, why not explore the city further! From The London Eye to The West End, you can find the best tickets and tours for London here.
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The origins of the British Museum in London
The British Museum was founded in 1753 by Sir Hans Sloane. A physician by trade, Sir Hans Sloane was also a collector of objects from around the world. Sloane bequeathed his collection of over 71,000 items to the founding collection of the British Museum.
Fun Fact: Sir Hans Sloane also gives his name to Sloane Square!
It was the first national public museum to cover all fields of human knowledge, open to visitors from across the world. At the centre of the Museum sits the largest covered public square in Europe, the Queen Elizabeth II Great Court. It remains one of London’s most unique spaces!
Six must-see collection highlights
The objects in the British Museum transcend time to reveal fascinating stories about the human race. We can use these objects to learn more about ourselves and the present. From the earliest objects created by humans to contemporary pieces of art, there is so much to explore and enjoy.
Top Tip: There are separate wings for Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece and Rome, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, spread across the three floors.
1. Lewis Chessmen
These chess pieces were found on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. However, no one knows how they arrived there as they were probably made in Norway around AD 1150–1200. They are made from walrus ivory and whales’ teeth and were discovered in immaculate condition! They were even used in the first Harry Potter film — do you remember Ron and Harry playing chess in the Great Hall during the Christmas holidays?
Before your visit discover more about the Lewis Chessmen here.
2. The Lycurgus Cup
This drinking cup was probably made in Rome in the 4th century AD. It is made from a very special type of glass (known as dichroic) which changes colour when held up to the light and is the only complete example of it that we know of.
The scenes on the cup represent the death of King Lycurgus of Thrace. The story goes that King Lycurgus banned the cult of Dionysus. As punishment, Dionysus drove Lycurgus insane. In his madness, Lycurgus mistook his own son for a mature trunk of ivy (holy to Dionysus) and killed him, pruning away his nose and ears, fingers and toes.
In horror, the land of Thrace became dry and barren and would remain so as long as Lycurgus was left unpunished. So, his people flung Lycurgus to man-eating horses. A grisly tale!
Before your visit learn more about the Lycurgus Cup here.
3. Canopic Jars
These limestone canopic jars from Egypt have unusually long and detailed hieroglyphic inscriptions incised in columns on the body. Rather than protecting the body part inside them, they are more concerned with assuring the deceased that he will have food and drink in the afterlife!
4. The Discus Thrower
This marble sculpture is from Emperor Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli from the 2nd century. The story behind the discus thrower is that a beautiful youth called Hyacinth was accidentally killed by a discus thrown by her lover, the god Apollo. The discus was thrown off course by the jealous Zephyr, the god of the wind.
Find out more about the statue here.
5. Ancient Greek Amphora
The scene on this wine jar (amphora) from ancient Greece depicts the Greek hero Achilles looming above the Amazon warrior Penthesilea as she sinks to the ground. The Amazons were a legendary race of warrior women who lived somewhere in the region of the Black Sea and Penthesilea was their Queen. After Achilles killed the Trojan prince Hector, Penthesilea decided it was time for her Amazons to intervene. The Roman writer Virgil describes her as “a warrioress, a maiden who dares to fight with men”. Her name is synonymous with female strength.
Find out more about the wine jar here.
6. Serpent Bracelet
This gold bracelet in the form of a serpent is made from solid gold. It was made in ancient Egypt around the 1st century BC — 1st century. You can clearly see the scales, the tail of the snake and even the snake’s teeth! In mythology, serpents were venerated for their ability to shed their skin and thus seen as a representation of regeneration and rebirth.
Visiting the British Museum in London
Getting there
The British Museum is located in Holborn in central London. The four tube stations closest to the Museum are Tottenham Court Road (5-minute walk), Holborn (7-minute walk), Russell Square (7-minute walk) and Goodge Street (8-minute walk).
Address Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
Opening times
The Museum is open Monday to Sunday, 10.00–17.00 (last entry is at 15.30).
We advise booking a time slot in advance to guarantee entry — this is to help control the numbers of individuals who can visit. Walk-up visits are available for those who arrive at the Museum without advance bookings, but this does depend on capacity.
