About British Museum
Founded in 1753, the British Museum houses 8 million objects spanning human history from Stone Age tools to contemporary art. The Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, Parthenon sculptures, and treasures from Mesopotamia to Japan make this one of the world's greatest museums - and it's completely free.
⏰ Hours
- Daily: 10 AM - 5 PM (Fri until 8:30 PM)
- Entry: Free (donations welcome)
- Best: Weekday mornings or Friday evenings
💰 Costs
- Entry: Free (no ticket needed)
- Guided highlights tour: £15-18 per person (2 hours)
- Private guide: £200-350 for up to 10
- Audio guide: £7 (okay but guides better)
✨ Must-See Objects
- 📜 Rosetta Stone: Key to deciphering hieroglyphics
- ⚰️ Egyptian mummies: 3,000-year-old preserved bodies
- 🏛️ Parthenon sculptures: Classical Greek masterpieces
- ♟️ Lewis Chessmen: Medieval Viking chess pieces
- 🗿 Easter Island moai: Massive stone head Hoa Hakananai'a
📝 Tips
- No booking needed: Just walk in (occasionally busy)
- Guides essential: Overwhelming without expert navigation
- Plan 2-3 hours: Could spend days, see highlights first
- Great Court: Beautiful glass roof, free Wi-Fi