Address: Great Russell Street, Covent Garden, London WC1B 3DG
Tags architecture art artifacts british egyptian exhibitions free free entrance greek history london museum
Next event: Statuephilia (Saturday, October 04, 2008)
See website, phone and opening hours
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rosemontjd (03-09-2008)
One of London’s better museums, it always has amazing exhibitions on. Hadrian, which is currently on, is great; it really gives you a sense of the times, especially if you hire the audio tour guides. Always worth a visit, no matter what is on.
Tags museum, british, exhibitions
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zeeshan17 (20-08-2008)
This is a brilliant place to bring young children - it is both fun and educational. It is also good place just to spend the day for the whole family.
Tags fun, cheap, good, educational
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akintaiwo (17-08-2008)
Before my visit to the museum i heard so much about it and from the reviews i read,out of curiousity i decided to visit,I was totally blown away by the lovely collections of italian,japanese and ancient arts.I learnt quite a lot about human history from findings by ancient historians,it was worth it.
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trunkguy (15-08-2008)
If you only ever go to one museum in London it should be this one.
The British Museum always has lots of interesting temporary exhibitions but to be honest it is the permanent collection which is the real jewel.
It’s filled with artifacts from a period in history where nations raced against one another to acquire to best artifacts from around the world.
Some exhibits such as the Elgin Marbles are controversial but they are displayed in a fantastic space with lots of informative information about their origin.
I think the British Museum also has the biggest collection of mummies and sarcophagus outside of Egypt.
The traditional and imposing building hides a fantastic secret, the inner section of the museum was cover by a wonderfully undulating roof of glass panels which link all the buildings together and form an amazingly open and airy space to stroll around and enjoy a coffee between exhibits.
The Reading Room is another jewel in the centre (literally) of the museum and was once seen as the center of learning in the nineteenth century. The British Museum have started to use it as exhibition space but make sure you get to see it when it’s returned to it’s original state.
Oh and did I mention entry is free?
Posted to: twitter.com/trunkguy
Tags museum, modern, history, mummies, marbles
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rachelle_thompson (09-08-2008)
I used to work for this museum so I am offering some insider advice for the visitor.
Firstly get a free map from the info desk, the ones you pay for are from the internal shops. Major attractions are listed on this map too. Check which galleries might be closed for renovation while you’re there, saves some walking. Also there is often a member of staff able to let you know what time a gallery could be opened for you, at times they will allow you into a closed area for a short amount of time if you ask nicely!
Those into prints must organize to visit the Study Room in the Prints and Drawings department. There are literally thousands of prints to view in privacy… also for free! Go to Room 90 for more information.
For the kids there is an activity pack available from the library with tours and highlights designed to educate the youngsters. Also if you visit on the weekend then you can use the school area for clocking your items, it is a free locker system that will save you at the regular cloakroom. The thing is to understand what your children are interested in. Is it colourful costumes, a particular country, religion, movies? There are all sorts of references available, for example the Easter Island Statue that many adults enjoy will be referenced by children as a character from the film 'Night at the Museum.’
For paying exhibitions book in advance on the internet or by phone, and avoid queuing for hours.
Most staff have extensive knowledge of the museum and have worked there for decades, if there is a specific query they can often help you through their passion.
Tags museum, free, architecture, london, history, artifacts
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Darryl Snow (09-07-2008)
“free to wee since 1753”
I first popped into this museum the other day purely because I was desperate for a wee and couldn’t find anywhere else nearby where I could go without having to buy something or at least pay more than i paid for my shoes. After I was finished though I was distracted by the amazing artifacts and came back the next day for a proper look around. Unfortunately the lazy staff were all on strike that day so I didn’t get to see everything but I have been back several times since over the last few days (again, for wees) and have managed to have a quick butchers and all the bits I missed. It almost makes me happy that the British plundered the world and scoused all the best stuff - you can come here and see all of human history concisely laid out in one place.
lovely building / layout too.
Tags free loos, ancient stuff
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gotiges7 (08-07-2008)
With it’s neo classic pillars and enormous central ampitheatre, the building is almost more exciting (especially to us Londoners livng in tiny one bed flats!) than the collection itself.
There is a little something for everyone here - which is lucky because being free - there are lot’s of everybodies.
Post colonial and modernist displays are given more than lip service although really everyone is here to see the great trophies of empire. The pock marked Elgan Marbles (er sorry - that’s the Pantheon Colletion in museum jargon) is impressively ensconced in a light filled hall, but such is the quality and extent of the early civilizations and classic collection that it fails to stand out from the pack. (Read - I think the British Museum would be no worse without it and Athens greatly enriched)
The item of greatest interest to me was one that I walked past several times - I didn’t see it because it was surrounded by tourists bumping and jostling and taking photo’s as if they’d just cornered David Beckham - that item being the Rosetta stone.
I nudged my way in and stared at it for a few minutes until the crowds and there flash photography drove me away (Why do they need to photograph everything??? They are never going to look at it again - bring back film! At least that was self limiting..)
The Rosetta stone is amazing, and I guess I can’t expect to have it to myself. It is beautiful, with delicate handcrafted symbols on smooth black rock and rough jagged edges. But the story it tells of mstery revealed when lost ancient languages converge with the known, is simply icecream for the imagination.
Posted to: simonmcewen.wordpress.com/
Tags tourists, british museum, rosetta stone, museum london, elgan marbles, panteon collection
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derekderek (07-07-2008)
Its free! What else do you want?! Awesome displays and did I mention it’s free?
Tags museum
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louisecumberland (03-07-2008)
Great tourist spot. Go to Covent Garden tube station and you get directions to it in the lift! you can’t miss it. Its like the History museum, free. Although don’t expect as much entertainment for the kids at this one.
(If you want something for the kids try the science museum….they might look at you strange if they aren’t into it (i was likewise) but trust me they should come away happy. Loads to do.)
There is great collections at the british museum though and although it isn’t as hands on, it is beautiful
Tags museum, free, british, london, free entrance
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mattotude (30-06-2008)
I first came across the British Museum while wondering the streets streets of London. When I walked through the gates of the museum and saw the giant pillared building, I thought WOW, what an amazing structure. Inside the museum, there is a maginificent collection of artifacts, statues and historical collections spanning centuries. From east to west, great history is displayed.
Now, sometimes to get away from the hussle and bustle of the London streets, I go to the museum, find a quiet corner in the vaste glass dome area and sit and reflect. It is a good place to grab a coffee too. Definately worth a visit.
Tags history, british history
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lordbulldog (26-06-2008)
My last visit to the museum was about 4 years ago and boy was i impressed! the sheer amount of exhibitions and the layout of all the different areas is extremely immense and all for a unbeatable price ( 100% free! )
Tags dinos, everything!, free museum, mummys
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farawaytrees (24-06-2008)
I love the British Museum, there is so much to see here. I first went when I was a child and I was fascinated by all the archaeological finds that were displayed.
I last visited a couple of years ago and saw the Ancient Egypt exhibition and the Rossetta Stone. I was impressed with the newly built Great Hall.
Its really good that the British Museum and so many other museuams and art galleries offer free entry now-a-days.
Tags ancient egypt, archaeological finds, great hall, rosetta stone
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mazk (23-06-2008)
Truly stunning, there is so much to see It would take a lifetime to see everything
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mija617 (23-06-2008)
The granddaddy of museums, and a “must” for any visitor to London. I am sometimes overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the British Museum: I’d suggest getting the map and picking two or three galleries upon which to focus. The museum is free, but please drop some coins into the donation boxes. Finally, be sure to enjoy the Great Court, with a stunning glass roof by Norman Foster. The Great Court is one of my favorite places in London.
Tags museum, free entrance
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eve78lee (10-06-2008)
It is arguably the most popular tourists attraction. You must visit this place if it’s your first time in town. The impressive museum exhibits include the egyptian mummies…(not for the faint hearted), greek antiques and a a library to name a few. Get your guide ready as it’ll be a whole day out!
Tags archeology
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bloomsday (31-05-2008)
They have Cleopatra’s mummy! THE Cleopatra! Now, aside from the fact that a lot of the stuff here should really be somewhere else (Elgin marbles anyone?), you can’t argue with the fact that the British have done an excellent job of housing and preserving historical artifacts from all over the world.
This museum is a must visit in London. You can’t possibly do it all in a day, so get the map and pick your favorite eras. I could spend hours in the Egyptian rooms. They even have little cat mummies, which I have never seen anywhere else.
Oh, and it’s F R E E. Go now!
Posted to: bloomsday-ramblings.blogspot.com/index.html
Tags museum, london, history, cleopatra, elgin marbles
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traveldodo (26-05-2008)
defitenely the best museum of london
Tags museum
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Templar (12-05-2008)
Boasting it has always been free this is a great place.
I like to do it in small doses except I have an obsession with the Egyption collection especially mummified cats and hamsters with rucksacks full of food for the afterlife.
Love to gaze at the Rosetta Stone.
The current print exhibition is good. I went to see the Hoppers and was a little disappointed there were so few.
One day I will afford to buy myself a replica Cat with earrings and a nose ring :)
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EdiJay230 (28-04-2008)
Its a great place to visit if you dont like sitting down - there is no place to settle and contemplate except in the busy but expensive cafes.
I have a great difficulty ignoring the colonial aspect of ‘collecting bits of other people’s antiquity’ tol garnish ‘british culture’. Yet I tolerate it because there are impressive qualities - dispite this plundering and cultural rape, the creativity and crafts representated is awe inspiring and restores my faith in humanity.
Tags if you like walking, you'll like here
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Timinator (25-04-2008)
The British Museum deserves its worldwide fame. It contains some stunning relics, like Cleopatra’s mummy, the Rosetta Stone, and the Elgin Marbles. Beyond that, though, it houses hundreds of thousands of pieces from all cultures and times on the planet. Perhaps you’ll welcome the debate about how much of this stuff is stolen from its original and proper place; or perhaps you’ll merely want to see it all.
Well, seeing it all isn’t an option unless you live in London and can make repeated visits over years. The Museum can’t put everything out at once, and some exhibits cycle new items from time to time.
But it’s worth it. Every single bit is fascinating, well-documented, and palpably communicates its history. Focus on Middle Eastern, Asian, North American, whatever culture you like.
Even a trip around the current holdings would take days, though. The building is massive. It’s not at all hard to get lost, especially amongst the crowds that infest places like the hall of mummies. The interior courtyard, with its glass-domed ceiling, is breathtaking.
The gift shops provide the opportunity for truly unique gifts. The cafés give you a welcome rest break.
Best of all: it’s all free. Though you really should donate something.
Tags museum, free, art, history
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Heather5 (15-04-2008)
Very interesting could spend all day there
Tags museum, free, history, artifacts
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jaimep (04-04-2008)
As a avid museum goer I would rate British Museum as big or huge (albeit with nice architecture)
You can spend a lot of time at the BM and YOU will become hungry or pekish and you have many choices I will give you two tips for how you should spend your quids in that case.
1) On the inside - The cafe/restaurant at the top floor of BM - go there for afternoon tea, order champagne and tea and just relax from the hustle and bustle of the museum.
2) On the outside - The cameracafe on Museum street 44
It is almost always empty its kinda quirky, cosy and with excellent choices and very personal service.
You’ll find their website at-> http://www.cameracafe.co.uk/
and they do have wifi and where else do you get your camera questions answered while you order your latte? It’s a unique place indeed!
Tags museum, free, art, history, artifacts
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tonibirkin (28-03-2008)
A great place to take the kids.
Tags museum
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dawndelyse (11-03-2008)
A MUST for anyone visiting London.Ths imposing building is a nice place to be in if you have some time to grab some education. Entrance is free except for the more publicised exhibitions, and for that you get an ever changing programme of displays to gaze and wonder at.
Nice cafeterias but a tad expensive (I wish those counter staff would smile a bit more). I cringe when I see the abrupt and unfriendly way they treat tourists. C’mon folks! the tourists and visitors help to pay your salary so make some effort wont you!)
The shops on the ground floor have some nice souvenirs and postcards to take home with you. Again, the staff are a bit unsmiling and tight lipped and depending on individuals’ moods, they can get a bit tch! tch! and off hand. You get the distinct impression that some of them hate their jobs.
Tags dawndelyse
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bholtak (28-01-2008)
Tags museum, all, british, history
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josi232 (22-01-2008)
Tags museum, free entrance
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magsdias (19-01-2008)
Tags adult orientated, well presented, free day out
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jwhittock (16-01-2008)
Tags architecture, history, collections, britain
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tikichris (16-01-2008)
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fleurdelys (16-01-2008)
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Bex Moar (16-01-2008)
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Anna_Nocturne (06-01-2008)
Tags museum, entertainment, art, british, history, mummies, artifacts
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stardust (16-11-2007)
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PoppyWomble (10-11-2007)
Tags museum, free, architecture, cultural, artefacts
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annyeap (03-11-2007)