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How To Visit The British Museum in 2024: Tickets, Hours, Tours, and More

Eddie Saint-Jean Last Updated: October 26, 2023

Interested in exploring two million years of human history and culture in one place? You’re not alone. The British Museum is the UK’s top attraction and draws huge numbers of visitors, so it’s a good idea to be prepared for your visit. In this guide, we share everything you need to know about how to visit the British Museum from hours to tours, what to see, and a brief history. 

Pro Tip:  Planning what to do on your trip to London? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our  guide to London  for more planning resources, our  top London tours  for a memorable trip, and the  top things to do in London .

Visiting the British Museum: What We’ll Cover

The British Museum is the world’s first public national museum with free admission. Founded in 1753, the museum houses an astonishing eight million artefacts in over 60 galleries spanning two million years of history from six continents.

It is the UK’s most popular attraction, welcoming 5.9 million visitors. If you’re planning to visit, it’s a great idea to be prepared. In this guide, find out what you need to know to visit the British Museum. here’s what we’ll cover:

• Opening hours and tickets
• How much time to budget for your visit
• What to see in the British Museum
• Guided tour options
• Facts and history of the British Museum
• Places to eat nearby

British Museum Opening Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours:

The museum is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. On Fridays, it stays open until 8.30 pm. 

A booked time slot will get you guaranteed entry. As mentioned before, it is the UK’s top attraction and has a massive amount of visitors. So, despite this neoclassical building’s vast size, booking a ticket removes the admission hassle.

It’s free to visit the British Museum, but there are also priced special exhibitions. Throughout the year, the museum presents fascinating special exhibitions, which they feel will be popular with visitors. For example, “Hieroglyphs: unlocking ancient Egypt” is on until February 2023 and tickets cost £18 for Adults.

Address: Great Russell St.

How Long To Spend in the British Museum

Short answer: 3 hours 

The museum is a huge building and has a total collection of around eight million artefacts (obviously not all on display). However, you could budget for 2 hours if you already have a general idea of which exhibits you want to see.

But, in truth, 3 hours will enable you to absorb a considerable amount of the museum’s content just by wandering around. If you have a short break after your first 1.5 hours, you’ll be refreshed and energized for the rest of your visit.

That said, you could easily spend a whole day seeing all of the museum’s items and exhibits. The advice we have given takes into account the practicalities of spending 6-8 hours in a museum. So, it all depends on how much you want to see and how much time you have.

Popular London Tours

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How can you explore London’s top attractions without getting overwhelmed? By joining this guided small group tour! With 1,000 years of history and acres of buildings, the Tower of London is easier to explore and understand with the help of your local guide. Best of all, you’ll even see the famous crown jewels and have a boat ride down the River Thames.

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Not ready to book a tour? Find out if London tours are worth it .

What To See in the British Museum

The British Museum’s collection spans two million years of history across six continents. To say there’s a lot to see in this massive museum would be an understatement.

There are more than 60 galleries exhibiting items like the Rosetta Stone, one of the most visited objects in the museum, and the Sutton Hoo Helmet. It may be difficult to decide which to see. Here are our recommendations on what to see when you visit the British Museum. For more in-depth descriptions, history, and images, check out our article on the top things to see .

• The Younger Memnon (Room 4 – Egypt)
• Oxus Treasure (Room 52 – Ancient Iran)
• Kakiemon Elephant (Room 92-94 – Japan)
• Mechanical Galleon (Room 39 – Clocks and Watches)
• Lewis Chessmen (Room 40 – Medieval Europe, 1050–1500)
• Royal Game Of Ur (Room 56 – Mesopotamia, 6000–1500 B.C.)
• Aztec Serpent (Room 27 – Mexico: 2000 B.C. – A.D. 1521)
• Ife Head (Room 25 – Africa)
• Assyrian Lion Hunt Reliefs (Room 10 – Assyria)
• Sutton Hoo Ship Burial (Room 41 – Europe, A.D. 300–1100)
• The Rosetta Stone (Room 4 – Egypt)

In addition to the galleries you’ll see above, you’ll also enjoy these rooms:

• The Parthenon Sculptures (Rooms 18a and 18b)
• Egypt/The Rosetta Stone (Rooms 4, 61-66)
• The Roman Empire (Room 70)
• Assyria (Rooms 6-10)  
• Ancient Greece/Alexander the Great (Rooms 12-23)
• China and South Asia (Room 33) 
• The Islamic World (Rooms 42-43)

British Museum Tour Options

If you’re planning a trip to the British Museum, you should perhaps look beyond this brief guide and consider our more in-depth guided tours. An expert guide will present the histories of the world and its earliest civilizations in an easily understood way.

We have already mentioned how it can take 3 hours to see the exhibits on your own but more likely 6-8 hours to see everything. A knowledgeable guide will remove the stress of you having to work out what to see and where. And they’ll cover the exhibits in a more reasonable time so that you have an interesting and memorable visit. 

British Museum Tours and Audio Guides

The British Museum offers a few different guided tours from their free 40-minute Eye-opener tour to their Around the world in 90 minutes tour covering the museum’s highlights for £14 per person. Check the official website for booking details.

They also offer a variety of themed audio guides in their app for anyone interested in doing a self-guided tour of the museum. You can purchase the full bundle per language for £4.99 (introductory offer) or themed tours per language for £1.99–£2.99

Not ready to book a tour? Check out the best London tours to take and why .

Facts and History of the British Museum 

• Founded in 1753, it’s the world’s first national public museum with free admission for all.
• The museum has over eight million artifacts in its collection 
• The collection spans two million years. 
• In recent years, it has competed with the Tate Modern as the UK’s most popular visitor attraction. But now it is the most popular, with 5.9 million visitors.
• Egyptian exhibits are amongst the most popular. The Tutankhamen Exhibition of 1972 drew record attendance. However, the Rosetta Stone, another Egyptian artefact, has proved the most popular over the centuries. 
• In the Japanese Galleries, you’ll find a full-size replica of a traditional Japanese tea house
• The Parthenon Marbles are a popular attraction today but also proved to be a hit with prominent individuals in centuries past. Mozart visited in the 1760s and 19th-century Romantic poets Lord Byron and John Keats wrote poems about it after visiting.

Places To Eat Nearby

We’ve listed the museum’s restaurant below, but there’s also the Court Café, the Montague Café, and a pizzeria inside the museum. Also, there are other options not too far beyond the museum gates, in case you are seeking more inspired dining. For more options, see our article on the best restaurants near the British Museum .

Great Court Restaurant : ££ | Afternoon Tea —For a distinctly English treat, you can enjoy afternoon cream teas or other beverages. But there are also two and three-course lunches. However, if you’re looking for something lighter, they have sandwiches, snacks, and pastries. 

Hakkasan : ££££ | Cantonese Restaurant —This Michelin-star restaurant is a worthy treat if you want to complete your museum visit with a little pampering. Dishes such as Dim Sum and Hakkasan stir-fries are on the menu. 

Zeo’s London : ££ | Mediterranean Cuisine —Quality food at a reasonable price. The restaurant has a light, airy feel and a bit of a buzz about it. Mediterranean cuisine is not tied to one nation and includes dishes such as lamb shank and also pan-fried salmon. 

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The Ultimate Guide to visiting the British Museum

British museum ultimate guide.

Visiting museums and taking free tours are two of the must-do experiences in London available for every budget! But if you only have time to visit one museum in London, then make it the British Museum. Not only is it one of the oldest museums in the world, it’s also one of the largest museums in England, and attracts more than 6 million visitors each year.

The museum was officially opened to the public on January 15th, 1759 (although it was first housed in the 17th century Montagu House before moving to its present location in Bloomsbury). The museum was founded thanks to the personal collections of Sir Hans Sloane (a famous physician, naturalist and collector), who collected more than 71,000 different objects during his lifetime.

Originally, the British Museum’s collection consisted of manuscripts, books, ethnographic material and various natural specimens and antiques (like coins, medals, prints and drawings); but over time, the museum expanded and today, it contains more than seven million objects which cover over two million years of history and culture.

Its departmental library has been around since 1860 and consists of 24,000 different items (with the oldest item dating all the way back to 1636); and its Assyrian collections even helped researchers decipher the Cuneiform script (an ancient script from the Middle East).

British Museum Highlights

The museum is separated into different galleries which are organized by periods of time in history or specific locations or countries in the world (such as Roman Britain, Ancient Iran and Greece, just to name a few).

Some of the many must-see items that shouldn’t be missed by any first-time visitor to the British Museum include:

• The Rosetta Stone (an item which helped decipher various Egyptian hieroglyphics after they were discovered in 1799)
• The Parthenon Sculptures (taken from the Parthenon in Athens)
• Egyptian mummies and coffins (which are said to be one of the most comprehensive collections of Egyptian antiquities in the world)
• The Anglo-Saxon Sutton Hoo ship burial relics (which date back to the 6th and early 7th centuries, and are considered to be some of the most important discoveries in British archaeology)
• A human-headed winged bull monument (which was taken from a gateway in the citadel wall at Khorsabad)
• Lindow Man (the preserved body of a man from the Iron Age or Romano-British period which was discovered in a bog near Cheshire in 1984)
• The Lewis chessmen (a group of 12th century chess pieces which were made from walrus ivory)
• Figures from The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus and the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus

Special Tips

Getting There

Visiting the british museum.

Recommended visiting time is at least three to four hours, but if you’re interested in joining some of the many different talks and tours at the museum, then be prepared to spend the entire day wandering around. However, if you’re short on time, you can pick up an audio guide at the Audio Guide Desk in the Great Court, and go on your own self-guided tour within two hours.

If you’re visiting with children, you can take part in the “Museum explorer trails” exhibition, which leads families on a “journey of discovery” to find some of the many treasures scattered all throughout the museum (The activity takes around 30 to 40 minutes to complete).

Photography with flash and video recording is allowed in the majority of the galleries, but must be for private purposes only.

There is a main cloakroom located to the west of the main entrance, where you can leave some of your personal belongings so you don’t have to carry them around with you during your visit. Items over a certain weight and size will not be allowed into the museum, and will have to be kept at the luggage facilities at major rail stations like King’s Cross, Charing Cross and Euston.

There are toilet facilities on every floor of the museum, as well as in The Gallery Cafe and Court Cafes on the ground floor, and The Court Restaurant on the upper floor.

For those with mobility issues, there are benches and stools located in the Great Court, and there is some seating available in selected galleries as well.

Ticket prices and Opening hours

The British Museum is free to enter, and is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day (but closes at 8:30 p.m. on Fridays).

If you’re interested in touching or holding some of the artefacts in the museum, there are object handling sessions which take place at the Hands-On Desks between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

There are a variety of 30 to 40-minute tours which take place throughout the day, and meet at the relevant gallery. The tours range in topic from Ancient Greece, South Asia and the Art of the Middle East, and usually take place between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. For more information, be sure to check out the British Museum’s official website before you visit, as the dates, subjects and times fluctuate throughout the year.

There are also different spotlight tours and lunchtime gallery talks with guest speakers which take place throughout the week, and tend to focus on specific themes such as The Rosetta Stone or The Enlightenment. For more information or to get more details about any tour or talk, check the official website before you visit.

If you want to go on a self-guided tour, there is a multilingual audio app you can download from Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. It costs £4.99 per language or between £1.99 and £2.99 for themed tours.

If you want to take part in the Museum explorer trails, you can collect your free trail guide from the Families Desk in the Great Court, but only on the weekends or any day during Camden school holidays between 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

If you are visiting the British Museum, you might want to check out the list of free tours in London that run daily.

Free Tours in Your Language

The Secret London Guide To The British Museum

Planning a visit to the British Museum can feel pretty darn overwhelming, but fear not: Secret London is here to give you the lowdown, as always.

In the pantheon of museums in London , one stands out from the crowd. By virtue of being the biggest, oldest , and for a long time (before the Natural History Museum came and knocked it of its pedestal) the most popular of London museums; the British Museum is a titanic cultural attraction. It’s also one of many free things to do in London , giving it that extra penny-pinching appeal. So, with all this going for it, planning a visit to the British Museum may seem pretty overwhelming. Well, fear not: as always, Secret London is here with the lowdown.

What is the British Museum?

So, just incase you didn’t know; the British Museum is the world’s oldest national public museum . Inside, you’ll find collections of art , literature , and other artefacts telling the story of human history. Over six million people visit each year, which is more than the population of Libya – impressive, right? It consistently held the title of the most popular tourist attraction in the UK for over a decade – and is now still in an admirable third position.

The British Museum was founded in 1753 and opened in 1759, making it older than the USA(?!). It was created by an Act of Parliament to accommodate the collection of Sir Hans Sloane , who also gives his name to Sloane Square . A vast number of treasures have since been acquired by the museum over the years. The British Museum is split into sections corresponding to areas and time periods. You’ll find separate wings for Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece and Rome, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas , spread across three floors. Oh, and a drop dead gorgeous glass roof covering the stunning Great Court.

The British Museum has become so big over the years that it’s had to expand twice – once to a site in Kensington , the other now located in St Pancras . These expansions became, respectively, the Natural History Museum and the British Library . The British Museum also has a fabulous Reading Room , which has finally reopened to the public recently (yippee).

What should I see at the British Museum?

It may be called the British Museum , but most of the objects have actually been loaned from other countries or purchased from private collections. You also can’t escape the fact that many items were claimed by underhand tactics of the British Empire , leading several countries to demand the return of their artefacts. Since there are eight million objects here, we’ve selected the top things to see at the British Museum. You can thank us later.

1. The Rosetta Stone

Not just an expensive language guide, you know. The ancient translation tool is written in both Egyptian and Greek, and is the reason we can read hieroglyphics. Carved in 196BC, it also happens to be the British Museum’s most visited object, so you’ll need to be patient to get to the front.

2. Easter Island moai

Easter Island is a bit of a trek, but since the British Museum has one of the famed heads in its collection, you only need go as far as Bloomsbury.

3. Egyptian mummies

The British Museum has a long history with mummies, having hosted Tutankhamun’s treasures in 1972. Today, you can find sarcophagi, the mummy of Katebet, and mummified pets, including cats and fish. Just lovely…

4. Parthenon sculptures

These figures, also known as the Elgin Marbles, have seen a never-ending saga of ownership which shows no sign of stopping. Greece claims they were illegally taken after Lord Elgin made a dodgy deal with the ruling Ottoman Empire, whilst the UK maintains it was a legal purchase under the laws of the time. Regardless of which side you take, you can enjoy the beautiful sculptures in a gigantic hall in the British Museum’s west wing, and learn a lot about ancient Greece in the process.

5. Aztec serpent

A fascinating lot, were the Aztecs. When they weren’t busy indulging in ritual sacrifice, the Aztec created beautiful objects, like this stunning double-headed serpent mosaic. Find it on the ground floor of the British Museum.

6. Olduvai stone chopping tool

It looks fairly unremarkable, until you discover it’s the oldest human-made artefact in the British Museum. At a whopping 1.8 million years old, this stone tool is quietly one of the most impressive objects in the entire building.

7. Egyptian scutpture

When you think of the British Museum, this is probably the first thing that comes to mind. A huge hall, full of busts of Egyptian gods and kings, this is one of the museum’s most impressive sights.

8. Winged bulls of Assyria

They once guarded the gates in the ancient cities of Nimrud and Khorsabad in Iraq, but now the bulls take up residence at the British Museum, looking downright imposing.

9. Mausoleum of Halicarnassus

It was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and you can find parts of it at the British Museum. Statues from the mausoleum can be found in the Ancient Greek wing on the ground floor.

10. Shrine of Amaravati

In a corner gallery of the British Museum, you’ll find the Great Shrine of Amaravati, painstakingly recreated to fill the whole room. It was one of the oldest and largest Buddhist shrines in India, and is definitely worth a visit.

11. Lampedusa cross

Not everything in here is ancient. The Lampedusa Cross was acquired by the British Museum in 2015, to commemorate the 359 refugees who died when their boat sank off of the coast of Lampedusa in October 2013. A local carpenter, Francesco Tuccio, carved the cross out of the wreckage of the boat, making a hugely poignant artefact in the process.

The Round Reading Room at the British Museum

Located smack bang in the Great Court of the British Museum is the Round Reading Room . The room was once the site of the British library, before it relocated to its current home in St Pancras in 2008 . It also dates back all the way to 1857 ! As such, it has been privy to such visitors and students ranging from Arthur Conan Doyle to Karl Marx, Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker and even Lenin.

Following the relocation of the library , the room was used as an exhibit space briefly, before finding its current role: storing the museum’s archive of books and papers and objects that trace the museum’s history. The British Museum is now offering guided tours of the space – giving bibliophiles a chance to check out the legendary archival room.

The tour will only last twenty minutes, and the volunteer tour guides will be keeping a close eye on visitors – so you won’t be able to sneak off and investigate the centuries old documents. And, no, it’s not a library so you won’t be able to borrow any of the books. Nonetheless, it’s a pretty impressive sight for bookworms and history buffs alike .

Tours run once a week and are completely free , but do require signing up ahead of time. Oh, and they only have space for 20 people in each tour group, so you’ll definitely want to give yourself plenty of time to book ahead. Find out when the next tour is running and book your space here .

Anything else I should know?

We’d advise you get to the British Museum nice and early if you want to beat the crowds and avoid the queues. Alternatively, the British Museum is open late on Fridays , giving you ample time to wander round the galleries after most people have left. Picking up a map for £2 will give you their “Top 10 objects to see” tour, which will take you through most of the major galleries (a cheap paper copy, without the top 10, is available for a “suggested donation”). Alternatively, audio guides can be rented for £7, and come in 10 languages.

The British Museum is free to enter , but donations are welcome; you’ll find donation points scattered around the open areas. Small bags can be left in their cloakroom, but large luggage (such as wheely cases) is forbidden. For a fee, a nearby hotel may hold onto them for you. A number of tours, events and exhibitions are held at the British Museum – find the schedule and how much they cost here .

Food and drink

No fewer than four eating options at the British Museum. Casual fares come in the form of the Court Cafe and the Coffee Lounge . The museum also offers an on-site Pizzeria and the Great Court Restaurant is the fancier spot , serving seasonal mains under the museum’s stunning roof.

Best spot for photos

The Great Court is massively Insta-worthy . But for a different view of the British Museum, head to the viewing platform on Level 3 for a dramatic elevated vista .

Before you go

The British Museum is the largest indoor space mapped on Google Street View . If time is tight, browse around ahead of your visit and pick out what you want to see.

Final word of warning

Be on the lookout for the vengeful ghost of an Egyptian god. Amun-ra is supposedly a resident of the Egyptian Room, and he’s been rumoured to snatch people from nearby Holborn station . Spooky, right?

The British Museum is open daily from 10am-5pm (10am-8.30pm on Fridays) and the nearest station is Tottenham Court Road. Find out more and plan your visit here .

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The British Museum: The Complete Guide

 Gautier Houba / TripSavvy

The British Museum

London is home to dozens of memorable museums, from the Tate Britain to the National Portrait Gallery, but one of its most extensive collections of objects and art can be found in the British Museum. The national museum, which is free for visitors in its permanent collection, has an expansive range of cool stuff, including Egyptian mummies, the Rosetta Stone and the Sutton Hoo ship burial. It welcomes travelers of all ages (who doesn't love a mummy?) and its experience can be tailored to any attention span or interest. Be sure to include the museum in your London itinerary, even if it's just to come in to see the impressive Great Court or to catch a glimpse of some historic samurai armor. Here's everything you need to know ahead of your visit.

Museum History

Founded in 1753, the British Museum first opened its doors to the public in 1759 as the first national museum to cover all fields of human knowledge. The museum was created by an act of Parliament and was intended to invite in "all studious and curious persons," meaning that the initial visitors needed to apply for tickets. In the 1830s, the museum began to welcome in more and more visitors, and today more than six million people explore the British Museum each year. Its collection now includes around eight million objects, which cover two million years of human history, and the Reading Room, completed in 1857, has become a popular place to seek out knowledge.

The museum's much-photographed Great Court, which is known in full as Queen Elizabeth II Great Court, is the largest covered public square in Europe. The two-acre room, designed by Foster and Partners, was redesigned reopened in 2000 (when it was opened by the Queen herself). Inside, visitors can find the Lion of Knidos, among other famed antiquities.

Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images

What to See and Do

The British Museum can be overwhelming as there's a lot to see in the museum's permanent collection. Some of the highlights include the Egyptian sculpture gallery, where you'll find the Rosetta Stone and the Statue of Ramesses II, and the Africa Galleries, which include both antiquities and contemporary pieces. The entire world is represented throughout the galleries, from Oceania to Japan to Britain itself, so it's best to plan a route that suits your interests. The British Museum's museum map offers several possible trails to follow through the rooms, including one suited to kids and another that looks specifically at LGBTQIA+ history.

The museum typically hosts one or two special exhibitions alongside their collection at any given time, which you can check out in advance on their website. The special exhibitions are usually hosted for several months and most require a purchased tickets to enter. The institution's calendar also includes regular lectures, talks and special events, some of which are free to visitors.

Once you've fully explored the galleries and exhibitions, head to one of the museum's eateries. These include the Court Café, a casual spot inside the Great Court serving sandwiches, snacks and drinks, and the Great Court Restaurant, which serves morning tea and coffee, lunch and afternoon tea, as well as dinner on Fridays when the museum is open late. There is also the Pizzeria, Montague Café and the Coffee Lounge, and food trucks can frequently be found in the outdoor area of the museum along with tables.

 Oli Scarff/Getty Images

How to Visit

The British Museum is an extremely popular attraction for visitors to London and it's easily accessible in the central part of the city. Because the museum is convenient to other attractions, including the West End and Trafalgar Square, and because the permanent collection is free, a visit to the British Museum can be as long or short as you want. Whether you prefer to stop by to see the Rosetta Stone (which can be found not far from the entrance) or you want to fully explore all the exhibitions, the museum is pretty hassle-free.

Visitors are required to purchase tickets for any special exhibitions (which can be done in advance online or at the ticket office), but entry to the regular collection is free and doesn't require a ticket. The museum is open Monday through Sunday, closing during the year only from December 24-26, and last entry is at 3:30 p.m. daily. The museum also hosts late hours on Fridays , with the galleries open until 8:30 p.m. alongside events and talks.

Getting There

The British Museum is located on Great Russell Street near Russell Square and can be accessed easily from several London Underground stations. The museum is equidistant from the Russell Square, Tottenham Court Road, Goodge Street and Holborn Tube stations, which serve numerous London Underground lines. There is also a variety of London bus lines that stop close to the museum, including the 14, 168, 176, 19, 24, 38, 68, 8 and 98. Use the Transport for London Trip Planner tool to find your best route to the museum.

For those who prefer not to take public transportation (although that's the recommended way to get to the British Museum), look for London's black cabs or use the Uber app to hail a ride share car. When leaving, head to the taxi rank on Great Russell Street at the museum's main gates. There is no parking at the museum so it's best to avoid driving your own car into Central London when visiting. Bicycle racks are also available inside the gates of the Main Entrance on Great Russell Street.

You can, of course, also walk to the museum, which is a great way to see the surrounding area on a nice day. From Big Ben or Trafalgar Square, stroll north through Covent Garden (where you'll find lots of shops and restaurants) to find the British Museum (and be sure to check out Russell Square, a beautiful park, on your way out).

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Tips For Visiting

• All visitors are required to pass through a security check, which includes a bag search, at the entrance to the British Museum. Be sure to be prepared and avoid bringing in large luggage. Wheeled suitcases and sports equipment are not allowed inside the museum. Luggage storage can be found at nearby train stations, including Euston, King's Cross and Charing Cross.
• The British Museum has an easy access route for those with accessibility issues. The route is available for disabled visitors and visitors with strollers and/or children under five, as well as museum members. Strollers are allowed, but must be kept with you during your visit. Wheelchairs can be reserved in advance for those who need them.
• Free Wi-Fi is available to all visitors. Look for the "British Museum WiFi" network on your device and enter your name and email address to access.
• Most galleries allow hand-held flash photography and video recording as long as it's for private purposes, although tripods, monopods and selfie sticks are not allowed. Watch for signs indicating when photography is prohibited (often in special exhibitions).
• Don't miss the British Museum Shop, which sells a huge array of souvenirs and gifts, from books to jewelry to small replicas of some of the museum's memorable works.
• If you plan to make several visits to the British Museum or simply want to support the institution, consider purchasing a museum membership. There are several levels of membership and all include unlimited free access to the special exhibitions and access to the Members' Room.

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Admission prices & discounts for tickets to British Museum in London

The following overview lists the admission prices and various discounts and discount codes for a visit to British Museum in London . All prices are displayed per age group or reduced rate group. You can also directly book your discounted online ticket for the British Museum here, if available, or make a reservation to reserve a timeslot if applicable.

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Wondering what a ticket to British Museum costs? These are the prices:

Ticket prices & discounts

Tickets & promotions, buy tickets online now, tours & tickets near british museum.

Here are some tours and tickets near British Museum, including discount cards & passes, skip the line tickets and tickets to events & activities in London.

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These cards and discount passes are available in London: Museums Association , English Heritage pass , National Trust pass , National Art Pass , London City Pass .

More about British Museum

Ultimate Guide to the British Museum for Visitors (2024)

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When people ask me, “Hey, Kalyn, if I had to see one museum in London, which one should it be?” I never hesitate with my answer – the British Museum.

In this guide to the British Museum and British Museum review, you’ll learn why this is my #1 recommended museum in London (unless you have small kids – I’ll explain that later) and how to make the most of your visit to the British Museum.

Nestled in the adorable streets surrounding Russell Square tube station and conveniently located near many of London’s higher education buildings, the British Museum is iconic both in its famous pieces and in the stunning architecture inside.

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Where is the British Museum?

The British Museum is located on Great Russell Street, walking distance from many places in central London but particularly easy from Holborn Station, Goodge Street Station, Tottenham Court Road Station and Russell Square Station.

How to Get to the British Museum

There are a variety of buses that go past the museum, but the most convenient way is to get here by tube .

Simply take the tube to any of the 4 major tube stations surrounding the museum (Holborn, Russell Square, Goodge Street, Tottenham Court Road) and then walk to the museum.

This is a very centrally located museum – leave the car or rental car at home.

Opening Hours

The museum is opened from 10am to 5pm every single day, except December 24th, December 25th, or December 26th.

They also have late opening hours on a Friday until 8:30pm.

Is the British Museum Free?

While the British Museum does accept donations when you walk in (not handed to a person, but in a large donation case), it is officially completely free to the public so this is a great thing to do in London on a budget.

What’s at the British Museum?

In general, with a vague name like “The British Museum,” it’s important to know what’s actually here.

The official line is that the museum is all about “cultures around the globe from the dawn of human history to the present.”

So, funnily enough, despite the British in the name, it is a collection of incredible artifacts that (controversially or not) currently belong to Britain, NOT a museum about the history of Britain itself (though of course that is a part of it).

So we’re talking everything from Egyptian mummies to Greek acropolis ruins to paintings to pottery to ancient currency and more.

Also, the interior of this museum has to be seen to be believed.

Sometimes I just go into the museum to do some work at one of the long tables here or to bring a book – that’s how relaxing I find it!

What to See at the British Museum: Highlights of the British Museum

Want some tips for visiting the British Museum?

There are more than 60 galleries at the British Museum, featuring everything from scrolls to Roman ruins to African pottery to Mexican sculptures, but for your average London visitor, there are two main famous pieces at the British Museum that you cannot miss.

The first is Cleopatra – she’s not “the” Cleopatra, but she is a Cleopatra and she is a real, actual, right-there-in-front-of-you Egyptian mummy and while there are other mummies within the British Museum, this one is a big draw for visitors due to the incredible coloring and in tact nature of it.

The second is the Rosetta Stone – yes, the real one. It’s been on display in the British Museum since 1802 and is one of the main featured pieces as you first walk in.

Of course, it’s completely behind glass so there’s no chance of touching or rubbing out any of the history-changing inscriptions in it! But you can get very close and you can take photos without flash.

This piece of slab was instrumental in helping historians to read Egyptian hieroglyphics and you can see it in person at the British Museum!

British Museum with Kids

Despite the fact that I think the British Museum is an absolute must-do in London, I would caution that it doesn’t have the same type of interactive exhibits that you might find in places like the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum .

If you have kids that are old enough to appreciate the history and marvel at the mummies and the Greek ruins and all of the cool, larger-than-life stuff, you’ll still have a great time.

But if you have very young kids who are going to want more of that interactive experience or lots of bright colors or moving images, then I would skip the British Museum.

If you do visit as a family, the British Museum has a fantastic collection of family activities here and “Museum Missions” to take part in to keep them engaged.

British Museum Map

Want a map of the British Museum? Find it here .

Eating at the British Museum

The British Museum has a couple of options for food and drinks, both of them highly recommended.

The first one is the Court Cafes, located on the ground floor with lots of long table seating and plenty of options like sandwiches, salads, snack cakes and ready-to-eat cold pastas.

This is my favorite go-to because of the incredible atmosphere while inside the main floor.

When the sun streams in, it’s just an absolutely gorgeous atmosphere to eat some lunch.

Then there’s a pizza place, as well as a coffee lounge (see the map for locations), but most importantly if you’re looking for something a bit different is the Great Court Restaurant.

This restaurant, at the top of the British Museum, is a full sit-down restaurant for breakfast and lunch and afternoon tea, with waiters and regular restaurant etiquette (ie, not a casual café).

I would highly recommend trying the afternoon tea here – you get to sit under the beautiful glass tiles of the roof of the British Museum and the price for the afternoon tea beats a lot of the very expensive afternoon teas in London while still ensuring you get an authentic experience with good service.

There is an audio app that you can use to help you explore the museum on your own if you want to check out one of the best things to do in London with an app.

It’s a small fee per download, and you can find it here .

This is great if you’re interested in an audio guide, but don’t want to pay the cost of a live tour.

Expert commentary on over 250 objects in the museum will make you feel like you’ve truly explored it rather than just walking around and nodding at old artifacts.

British Museum Live Tours and Tour Guide

Want to take a tour of the British Museum so you don’t miss out on experienced knowledge of the artifacts (or maybe you just are so overwhelmed by how big it all is that you’d rather have someone show you around?)

That’s not a problem!

The museum offers a variety of tours, both paid and free, that you can book onto in advance here .

These museum tours are relatively short in length, however, so if you’re looking for someone to really show you around the museum on a full-length tour, I would go with this British Museum exclusive guided tour.

>> Click here to check pricing and availability for the exclusive British Museum guided tour.

Attractions near the British Museum

The British Museum, being so centrally located, is really close to some of London’s other famous attractions and is a short walking distance from:

• Wellcome Collection
• Charles Dickens Museum
• The Postal Museum
• Foundling Museum
• British Library
• Oxford Street
• Covent Garden

Other British Museum FAQs

Yes! There is WiFi throughout the museum for guests to use so you can connect to it if you need it while on property.

Yes, every visitor must go through the security checks which is a bit like airport-style security (without the extra hassle of things like taking your shoes off).

There is a cloakroom where you can store some items, but oversized luggage is not allowed, which includes any luggage with wheels.

You can use your camera within the British Museum, but it must be without flash and there may be a couple of areas where photography is prohibited, so read the signs!

Get to the British Museum at opening for the lowest crowds – they build throughout the day, and only drop off right before closing.

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

Check out my Ultimate Guide to London for Visitors. Using text, images and video, this guide is packed full of tips, tricks, safety advice, knowledge on how to get around and what to do, and more!

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Matador Original Series

How to crush the british museum in one day.

T he British Museum is immense. You could spend months trying to see and learn about the 80,000 objects displayed, but if you’re not a Londoner and can’t pop in daily during your lunch break to have a stroll in the galleries, you’ll need a plan to make your one-day visit worth it. To ensure you get to see the most significant pieces in the museum without getting a serious case of museum fatigue, we’ve asked British Museum expert Michael Raymond and Londoner and art expert Luci Stephens to give us some hot tips on how to crush this massive museum in just one day.

Michael Raymond is an assistant curator at the Tate Modern. After studying history at the University of Sheffield, he moved to London to work as the project coordinator for the Asahi Shimbun Displays at the British Museum. For two years he worked in the exhibitions department, organizing temporary exhibitions with objects from across the collection, whether Japanese paintings or ancient cuneiform tablets.

Luci Stephens is the head of 20th-century art at Clarendon Fine Art, a contemporary art gallery located in Mayfair, London. Luci has a BA and MA in Art History from Kingston University and University College London and has worked at the National Gallery. Every chance she gets, she explores the nooks and crannies of the British Museum in search of a piece she has not yet seen.

Before you go: the #1 piece of advice for visiting the British Museum

• The best times to visit

Free tours and audio guides

Where to start your visit, five must-see pieces and why they matter, most underrated pieces to check out, what you can skip.

• What you didn’t know

Photo: douglasmack /Shutterstock

Michael knows the museum like his back pocket and has not one but two pieces of advice he believes are essential for visitors to remember.

First, he urges you to use the back entrance on Montague Place to get in faster. This entrance is not as fancy as the Great Russell Street entrance with its stairs, colonnade, and pediment, but you can always go back around the building to snap a picture later. And don’t worry, no matter what entrance you choose, you’ll be able to access the Great Court and admire its magnificent glass ceiling.

Second, do yourself a favor and don’t bring large bags — you’ll have made a trip to the British Museum for nothing since they are not allowed inside. Leave your big items at the hotel and check out the galleries freely without being encumbered.

The best times to visit the British Museum

The museum opens at 10:00 AM daily and is usually busy from the get-go. A great option to avoid the crowds and get an early start is to book one of the special morning tours that start at 8:59 AM. The tours last one hour, don’t exceed 20 people, and cost $41.50 (£33). No matter what tours you choose, from a general introduction to the British Museum to a more specific presentation of Ancient Egypt artifacts, you’ll get a well-rounded, almost-private history lesson while everyone else lines up outside. Note that if you take a special morning tour, you need to use the main entrance on Great Russell Street.

If you want to see the collection freely, both Michael and Luci recommend Friday as the best day of the week to visit. Instead of closing at 5:00 PM, the museum stays open until 8:30 PM on Fridays, giving you the opportunity to see it in a different atmosphere. Friday is also the day when the museum hosts cool events like free demonstrations of the Japanese tea ceremony every second week, among others.

Although popular all year long, a visit in January or February will certainly be quieter than one in July or August.

Walking around to check out pieces at your own pace is a chill way to see the British Museum, but there are so many tours available that it’d be a shame to pass on trying one or two out — you’ll learn a ton, and it won’t cost you a penny.

The Eye-Opener tours are free, last 30 to 40 minutes, and take place daily, every 15 minutes from 11:15 AM to 3:15 PM. They are led by volunteers who will take you through the most popular parts of the museum to give you the lowdown on this particular part of the collection. There’s no need to book in advance — just be in the relevant gallery when it starts.

If you’ve followed our advice and decided to visit on a Friday, take one of the free, 20-minute Spotlight tours . Those tours focus on one topic (Death in Egypt, for example) or object (like the Rosetta Stone) to give visitors a brief but knowledge-packed talk.

If you’d rather remain independent during your museum visit, or if English is not your first language and you’re afraid you may not understand everything a guide would say on a tour, download the Audio App of the museum before your visit. The app provides expert commentary in five languages and allows you to access detailed descriptions of the most significant objects in the collection.

Photo: Matphotography /Shutterstock

If you’re not too far down the line to enter the museum in the morning, don’t waste any time and get yourself to rooms 62 and 63 on the third level to see the most famous objects in the museum: the Egyptian mummies. The museum has over 120 human mummies in its collection, as well as 300 animal mummies. While they are not all displayed, it’s very much worth hurrying up to those rooms to see the few that are there while the rest of the visitors are still on the main floor trying to figure out their way around.

Although we could easily include 10 more pieces on this list, if you want to get the highlights out of the way before you wander around freely to check out more niche objects, or take off to do something else entirely, Luci and Michael have selected five pieces that you cannot miss during your visit. (Luci recommends that you locate them on the museum map before your visit to save some precious time and beat the crowds.)

Note: All the pieces mentioned below appear in Neil MacGregor’s “A History of the World in 100 objects.” Neil MacGregor was the director of the British Museum between 2002 and 2015.

1. The Rosetta Stone

Photo: Jaroslav Moravcik /Shutterstock

Aside from the aforementioned Egyptian mummies, the Rosetta Stone is the most iconic object in the British Museum and the most-viewed item in any museum or gallery in the UK, according to our expert, Michael. There’s no right time to see the stone without the crowds unless you book a spot in the Introduction to Ancient Egypt special morning tour , which is greatly recommended.

The Rosetta Stone is a large grey stela with rough edges with the same text carved on it in Classical Greek, Demotic, and Hieroglyphics. Described as such, it does not sound like the most alluring object in the collection, but because it’s worked as the key to the understanding of the Ancient Egyptian civilization, it’s hugely important. Dating back to 196 BC, the stone’s inscriptions (which are the same decree in three different languages) led French Scholar François Champollion to crack the code of the Hieroglyphics language in the early 19th century. Thanks to his decipherment, the Hieroglyphics on other objects, in temples, on mummies, etc. were finally decoded, as were the mysterious rituals and traditions of a fascinating civilization.

Where to find it: In room four, in the Ancient Egyptian sculpture department right off the Great Court (on your right if you enter via Montague Place, on your left if you enter from Great Russell Street).

2. Parthenon sculptures, or Elgin Marbles

Photo: Giannis Papanikos /Shutterstock

The Parthenon sculptures, also known as the Elgin Marbles for Lord Elgin, the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire who brought some of the sculptures from the Parthenon in Athens back to England, are a beautiful display of marble reliefs created around 440 BC.

Originally, the pieces you’ll see in the British Museum were placed on the outside of the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to Athena the Virgin located on the Acropolis, and were colored in red, gold, and blue. The reliefs, meant to present passages of Greek mythology, are large and intricately carved to create life-like characters and scenes — the facial expressions, body shapes, and drapery details are nothing short of mind-blowing. Michael adds, “They look so soft, luscious, and realistic, it’s difficult to believe it was hand-carved from cold, hard marble.”

Having been taken from Greece in the early 1800s, there is a lot of debate as to whether the Parthenon sculptures belong to the British Museum or they should go back to Athens. Wherever you land on this issue, the sculptures should be at the top of your must-see list.

Where to find them: In room 18, on the ground floor, in the Ancient Greece and Rome department.

3. The Lewis Chessmen

Photo: British Museum /Facebook

If you’ve watched Ron and Harry play wizards chess and thought the pieces they used were “wicked,” you’re in for a treat. The real-life chess pieces that inspired those you can see in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone are on display at the British Museum.

Called the Lewis Chessmen because they were found on the island of Lewis in Scotland, the pieces date back from between 1150 to 1200 AD and were found in 1831. The pieces were made of walrus ivory and whales’ teeth in Norway, but not all of them are intricately shaped — the pawns, the least powerful pieces in a set, are just simple slabs, while the bishops, rooks, knights, kings, and queens are detailed and unique characters. It is believed that some pieces were painted red to distinguish the two sides. Eighty-two chessmen from several sets are at the British Museum and 11 are at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

In June 2019, a family in Edinburgh found a piece that they had purchased in 1964 for fewer than $10 at an auction in a drawer at their home. The rare, long-lost chessman, the missing piece of a precious set, was sold in July for nearly one million USD.

Where to find them: In room 40 in the Sir Paul and Lady Ruddock Gallery: Medieval Europe 1050–1500, on level three.

4. Hoa Hakananai’a (“Lost or Stolen Friend”) Moai statue

For centuries, the people of Rapa Nui (also known as Easter Island) built and erected colossal statues out of basalt on the coastline of their island to house the spirits of ancestors. Hoa Hakananai’a , built between 1000 and 1200 AD, is one of those monoliths, and it’s been on display in the British Museum since 1869. About seven feet tall, the statue is a simple yet extremely impressive carving. Visitors should make sure to check out the back of the statue, which bears symbols significant to the birdman religion, the cult that used to dominate the island.

Allegedly given to the officers of the British Ship Topaze by the people of Rapa Nui in the 19th century, “Hoa Hakananai’a” is today the center of much controversy. Spiritually important to the traditional inhabitants of Rapa Nui, they are now imploring the British government for its return.

Where to find it: In room 24 in the Africa, Oceania, and the Americas department on the ground floor. Straight ahead if you enter via Montague Place, straight on and just beyond the Great Court if you enter from Great Russell Street.

5. The double-headed serpent

Before the invasion of the Spaniards in the 16th century, Mexico was part of the huge Aztec Empire that stretched all the way from Texas to Guatemala. For the Aztecs, turquoise was a profoundly prized stone believed to used during ritual ceremonies and worn by Aztec rulers to show off their greatness. Serpents motifs were highly symbolic in Aztec culture; double-headed serpents were thought to be the bearers of bad omens. This intimidating double-headed serpent, carved from a single piece of cedar between 1400 and 1600 in Mexico, is inlaid with 2000 pieces of that very stone to create a gorgeous effect of shimmering scales. A piece of jewelry, the turquoise mosaic was meant to be worn on the chess of its owner, likely an Aztec ruler, like a brooch.

The Aztec empire was destroyed by the Spaniards soon after their arrival, but remains of the great civilization like this piece provide proof of the incredible talent of its people.

Where to find it: In room 27, on the ground floor, in the Americas department.

If you still have time and energy after you’ve had a good look at the five must-see pieces mentioned above, take your time to meander the galleries in search of the three following pieces recommended by Michael. They may not be well known, but they are certainly worth a few minutes of your time — or more.

1. The “Mermaid”

Although it looks like something that belongs to a cabinet of curiosity, this spooky-looking creature that looks very much like a mermaid is a piece of trickery. Said to have been caught in Japan in the 18th century and gifted to Prince Arthur of Connaught as the real deal, the mermaid is nothing more than a creepy piece of taxidermy of a monkey’s upper body and a fish’s tail. Still, it’s worth a stop since its display in Europe in the early 19th century likely convinced a lot of people that mythical creatures like mermaids in fact existed in faraway lands like Asia.

Where to find it: In room one in the Enlightenment department, right off the Great Court (on your left if you enter via Montague Place, on your right if you enter from Great Russell Street).

2. Map of Venice

Map lovers will have a field day with this detailed print of Venice. Nine-feet wide and three-feet high, this bird’s-eye view of the city was made well before drones existed — in 1500. According to Michael, “every roof, spire, street, and canal is mapped out in extraordinary detail. It’s as if the artist has memorized every detail from every street and building in the entire city.” There is a bench located right in front of the piece for visitors to take their time to scrutinize the map and admire the talent of the artist who created it, Jacopo de’ Barbari.

Where to find it: In room 90a, on level four, an area of the museum often neglected by visitors.

3. Ravi Shankar’s sitar

Because the world of music is so much more than guitars, pianos, and the oh-so-ubiquitous recorders, go check out the intricately decorated sitar that once belonged to world-renowned musician Ravi Shankar displayed at the British Museum since 2017. Michael reminds us, “Shankar was famous for teaching George Harrison to play the sitar and helping to introduce an Indian flavor to the Beatles music,” so whether you are a huge Beatles fan, a music fan, or just a lover of beautiful things, this large stringed instrument is an underestimated must-see.

Made of teak and two gourds, it is beautifully adorned with stained and inlaid bones and botanical carvings. The instrument was gifted to the museum by Ravi Shankar’s widow. To know what it sounds like, click the video above and watch Ravi Shankar’s daughter Anoushka Shankar, herself a musician, play it beautifully.

We said it for the Louvre , and we’ll say it again for the British Museum: Every single piece displayed is worth your attention as it is the result of extraordinary talent and historical significance. That said, visitors who are not experts in art history or rarely frequent museums may find themselves fatigued by certain sections.

For Michael, if you don’t have a clue what the difference is between Doric and Ionic, and don’t feel like practicing your Latin and Ancient Greek, it’s room 77 (“Greek and Roman architecture”) and room 78 (“Classical inscriptions”), both located in the basement, that you should skip. It’s a niche section of the museum that those uninterested in the topic can skip without guilt.

What you did not know

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Tours and talks

A tour group in Room 33a Asia Gallery © Benedict Johnson

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Around the world in 90 minutes

Desire, love, identity: an LGBTQ tour

Eye-opener tours: 40 minutes

Spotlight: the Reading Room tour

Hands on desks: 11.00–16.00

Friday night spotlight tours: 20 minutes

Get to know the collection through tours, talks and Hands on desks.

Travel around the world in 90 minutes on our guided highlights tour and explore some of the Museum's most famous objects. Or discover LGBTQ themes and histories in the collection with our Desire, love, identity tour . Take a look below for more details. 

The specific content of tours and talks may change due to gallery work, exhibitions or other essential Museum activities. We are not always able to advise on this in advance.

Around the world in 90 minutes tour

Explore some of the most famous objects on display at the Museum on this guided highlights tour.

• Each tour lasts for 90 minutes and covers multiple galleries.
• Tours take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11.30 and 14.00.
• Each tour has a capacity of 20 people.
• £14 per person.
• Recommended for adults and children aged 12+.
• Please note that the tour will visit a number of galleries on different floors and involves a considerable amount of walking.

Explore objects in the collection linked to the themes of desire, love and identity. 

• This tour focuses on LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer) themes and histories.
• Each tour lasts for around 70 minutes.
• Tours are free but booking is strongly recommended.
• Each tour has a capacity of 15 people.
• The tour visits a number of galleries on different floors and involves a considerable amount of walking.

Spotlight: the Reading Room

Enjoy a brief tour about the Reading Room and discover how it's evolved since 1857 and the famous faces that studied there.

• Tours will start on Tuesday 23 July and will take place every Tuesday at 11.00 and 12.00.
• Each tour lasts 20 minutes and will start inside the Reading Room by the meeting point.
• Each tour has a capacity of 20 people. Places are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Please note that photography is not permitted in the Reading Room. 
• These tours are subject to cancellation. Please ask at the Information Desk in the Great Court if unsure. 

Eye-opener tours

Join a volunteer guide on one of our free eye-opener tours bringing you closer to the collection. 

• Our free volunteer-led eye-opener tours are 40 minutes long.
• The tours are recommended for adults, though children are welcome.
• These tours are generally limited to 15 places per session, depending on the Museum location. Please arrive early at the meeting point to secure a space.
• Eye-opener tours run at different times during the day.
• The availability of tours and talks may be reduced on bank holidays – see dates of  upcoming bank holidays .
• Please be aware these tours are subject to cancellation. Please ask at the Information Desk on the day for details.

The British Museum at your fingertips

Enjoy a self-guided tour whenever and wherever with expert commentaries in five languages on 250 objects and 65 galleries.

Friday night spotlight tours

Join a volunteer guide on one of our free Friday night spotlight tours focusing on four remarkable areas of the collection.

• Our free volunteer-led Spotlight tours are 20 minutes long. 
• They take place on late opening on Fridays only.
• We offer tours between 17.00-19.00.
• The availability of tours and talks may be reduced on bank holidays – see dates of upcoming bank holidays .

Hands on desks

The Hands on desks allow visitors to handle real objects and to find out more about the collection through relaxed, informal conversations. Volunteers facilitate the object handling, encourage discussion and answer visitors' questions. The handling collection for each desk relates to the displays around it.

Sessions are free and take place daily from 11.00–16.00, subject to availability, in the galleries listed below:

Room 1  – Enlightenment 

Room 2  – Collecting the world 

Room 24  – Africa, Oceania and the Americas 

Room 49  – Ancient Europe and Roman Britain 

Room 68  – Money

Rooms 42–43  – The Islamic world

Room 33  – Asia

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Best Things to See at the British Museum If You Only Have 3 Hours

The British Museum is usually on just about every list of must see things in London for good reason.  I went on my first trip to London many years ago.  After seeing some photographs of the British Museum’s new roof, I thought it might be worth a return visit. 

I wasn’t sure I wanted to spend a whole day at the British Museum because London just has so much to see.  I wondered if I would be able to see the British Museum highlights in three hours.  Let me tell you about our quick visit to the British Museum and give you some tips if you are short on time too.

We checked out the website to see if we could come up for a plan to see the British Museum in 3 hours.  After all, we had done it for the Louvre .  Well, we were pleasantly surprised to find a page on the British Museum website with their recommendations on what to see if you only have 3 hours.  We printed the itinerary and were ready to go.

Note: This post contains affiliate links.  Please see disclosure for more information.

About the British Museum

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The British Museum is one of the largest and most popular museums in the world.  It was founded in 1753 and opened its doors in 1759.  The galleries cover human history, culture, and art across almost 2 million years.

No other museum has a permanent collection with the same depth and breadth, beauty and significance.  Typically they have more than 9,000 objects from their collection of eight million objects on display.  

Located by Russell Square in Central London, it is free to see the British Museum’s vast permanent collection.  In addition to the permanent collection, there are always interesting special exhibitions but these typically charge admission.

If you can’t visit the British Museum in person, you can take a virtual tour here .  You can also try these virtual tours in London .

One of the best things about London is that most museums are free, including the British Museum.  When we arrived, we were surprised to find a line to get in.  You don’t have to buy tickets or pay an admission fee (except for special exhibits) but you do have to go through security. Luckily the line moved quickly.  

Next, we picked up a map and checked our coats (another line).  I was planning on getting a British Museum audio guide, but there were so many people in the museum that they were actually sold out.  All this took about 20 minutes.

Then we were ready to actually start seeing the museum.  We were able to quickly find the first item on the list, the Sloane astrolabe .  Then we looked around Room 1 a little more.  The walls were covered with books, we saw all kinds of old books like Homer’s Odyssey.  We probably could have spent more time looking through the books but we were on a mission.  On to the next item…..

We struggled to find the Stone chopper from Tanzania , which was the next item on the list.  After circling the room twice, we decided to ask the guard.  He told us that it was no longer on display and it hadn’t been for a few years.

The website had not been updated.  I’m not sure when the list on the website was put together but I did also notice that the audio guide reference numbers were not up to date.

For the most part, we were able to find most items on the list, but we couldn’t find all of them.  We didn’t realize that there were also pictures of the items on the website because the downloaded pdf was just a list with room numbers, descriptions (vague at times), and outdated audio guide numbers. 

Update: Photos have been added and audio guide numbers have been removed from the guide.  Some objects on the list have changed since we visited too, but this post still gives you an idea of what it is like to see the British Museum in three hours.

Some of the rooms had a lot of artifacts in them too, so at times we felt like we were on a scavenger hunt.  We struggled in the jade room, there was so much to see.

The British Museum collection can be overwhelming regardless of how much time you have to spend at the museum.  If you want to narrow down your priorities for your visit, there are some of my British Museum must-sees from the list:

The Rosetta Stone , which provided the key to the modern understanding of Egyptian hieroglyphs, because it has the same script in Egyptian hieroglyphs, Demotic Script, and Ancient Greek.

Parthenon sculptures are taken from the Parthenon in Athens.  There has been a huge debate over whether the British Museum should keep them.

Easter Island Statue Hoa Hakananai’a is actually from Easter Island but one of the smaller statues there.  Seeing it in person reminded me of how I really want to go there!

Automated Model of a Ship which is actually a clock.  If I would have had more time I would have spent it in this room as there were all sorts of beautiful clocks.

The Lewis Chessman which is a medieval chess set from the 12th century.  I had no idea the game had been around so long!

The Sutton Hoo Ship Burial – This ship containing some amazing treasures from the 6th-7th century which was found in southeast England in 1939.

Items Not on the British Museum Map that You Need to See

We also noticed a couple of items on the British Museum map marked as not to be missed that were not included on the list we had downloaded from the website:

• The Horse from the Mausoleum of Halikarnassos is a very impressive sculpture from 350 BC.
• The Portland Vase is a beautiful Roman Cameo vase from 25 AD.  The vase was broken in 1845 and they did an amazing job to restore it.

I was also surprised that the British Museum’s Lindow Man was not on the list of the top things to see at the British Museum.  It is a body of a man who died sometime between 2 BC and 119 AD.  The peat moss surrounding the body naturally mummified it.  The body was only discovered in 1984 in northwest England. We just happened to stumble upon it in Room 50.  

In Room 62, we noticed a crowd around Cleopatra’s Mummy, which we thought was very impressive until I later learned it was A Cleopatra and not THE Cleopatra .   

We ended up spending about four hours at the British Museum, including taking a brief break to sit and have a drink.  

Can you see the British Museum in 3 hours? Yes, but you have to stay very focused and stick to the plan.  Having a short list of items to see is helpful especially given a number of pieces in the museum.  

It would be even better if the British Museum updated their website and added pictures to the pdf version of the list. (Update: There are pictures on the website, I just wish you could easily print out the 3 Hour Trail.) 

You should also be prepared for the crowds (or join this VIP tour to get access to the British Museum before it officially opens to the public) as it is one of the most popular attractions in London.  

In spite of the challenges, I did enjoy the British Museum and hope to go back and explore further.  There are so many amazing artifacts!

Yes. Even if you had the whole day that wouldn’t be enough time to see the whole museum.  If you plan ahead (or do a tour), you can see the highlights which are quite something, especially considering it is free.

The British Museum always has temporary exhibitions happening that are quite special and interesting.  Unfortunately if you only have a few hours, you may have to choose between seeing special exhibitions and the permanent collection.  In most cases, there is an extra charge to see the special exhibitions.

We were quite impressed by the World of Stonehenge exhibition .

Thinking back, we may have been better off taking a guided tour of the British Museum.  We wouldn’t have wasted time looking for specific pieces and our guide would have shown us the most important artifacts.

This VIP tour gets you access to the British Museum before it opens to the public.  Imagine not having to fight the crowds to see the Rosetta Stone and getting insights from an expert guide!

You can also choose from several different options on Get Your Guide .   The tours last from 1.5 to 2.5 hours and are available in multiple languages.

If you need to give your brain a bit of a rest, why not take a break for afternoon tea? 

The British Museum serves afternoon tea at the Great Court restaurant.  It includes a selection of organic teas, finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones.  Afternoon tea at the British Museum is surprisingly affordable, but you should book in advance. 

Read our review of afternoon tea at the British Museum .

Yes.  They have created a trail that includes twelve objects to see with kids at the British Museum.  This should be possible in less than three hours.

The British Museum is located on Great Russell Street in Central London, so it is easily accessible by public transportation.  You can pick from four different underground stations which are all pretty close: Holborn (500m), Tottenham Court Road (500m), Russell Square (800m), or Goodge Street (800m).  We were able to walk from our hotel.

Overseas travelers can purchase a Visitor Oyster Card to use on the London Underground before their trip so that they are set once they arrive.  Learn more about the Visitor Oyster Card here.

I would not recommend driving to as you will have to pay the congestion charge and parking is limited.  If you do decide to drive, the closest British Museum parking is located at Bloomsbury Square.

I loved the modern decor and the rooms are so comfortable.  Every room comes with free WiFi, an hour of phone calls, fresh milk, tea and coffee , water and our daily breakfast bag drop.  You choose the time of your breakfast and a bag filled with OJ, granola pot and banana gets delivered to your door.  A great way to start a busy day exploring central London!

Read more reviews of The Hoxton on Tripadvisor here .

If you are looking for more budget-friendly options, check out this list of hostels in Central London .  

Have you been to the British Museum? Do you have any British Museum tips? I would love to hear about your experience.

Pin for Later

• Have a plan of what you would like to see when you visit the British Museum, especially if you have limited time.  Alternatively, you may want to take a British Museum guided tour.  You can check out the options here .
• Look at the suggested list of what to see at the British Museum if you only have 3 hours on your phone, rather than downloading and printing. That way you will have pictures of the pieces you are looking for.
• The Sutton Hoo burial site would make for a great day trip from London.

Disclosure: No financial compensation was received, but the Hoxton did provide a discount for our stay.  As always, opinions expressed here are my own.

This post also contains affiliate links. This means we will receive a small commission for some purchases made using links in our blog with no additional cost to you.  Please be assured we would not promote any product unless we believe that our readers will also benefit.  The commission does not influence the editorial content of this site.

Last Updated on May 19, 2023

About the Author

Anisa  

Anisa is an experienced international traveler with extra pages in her passport and stamps from 41 different countries across 5 continents (and counting). She was born and raised in Texas. After a 13 year stint in NYC, she moved to England to live with her husband.

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How Much Does It Cost to Visit the British Museum?

The British Museum is free – mostly.

This post is a guide to visiting the museum and explains which exhibits are free and which require a paid ticket.

As a local walking tour guide with Free Tours by Foot London, I get asked this question a lot.

I'm also known as the Museum Guide, so this is kind of my thing.

And, in the video below, I take you on a virtual tour of the highlights of the British Museum.

• Free Permanent Exhibits
• Paid Temporary Exhibits
• Public Tours
• Ways to Save

Tips From Locals and Travelers

• 42 Free London Museums

How to Get There

To reach the British Museum on Great Russell Street in Central London, you can use the Tube and get off at Tottenham Court Road station. 

From Tottenham Court Road station, it's a short 5-minute walk to the museum's main entrance. 

You can also take public transport, such as bus routes 14, 24, 29, 73, 134, or 390 to get closer to the location.

If you're driving, there are paid parking spots nearby.

British Museum Opening Hours

• Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Sat, Sun: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Friday: 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM

Last entry is at 4:00 PM, and on Fridays, it's 7:30 PM.

If you want to see everything, consider spending 2-3 hours inside the British Museum. 

WHAT CAN YOU SEE FOR FREE?

This section will go into detail about all of the exhibitions and galleries you can see for free at the British Museum.

We have a separate post on the highlights of these galleries .

You won’t need to pay admission for any of these exhibits, but you can make a donation if you want to support the museum’s mission.

To visit the museum, it's best to book your free ticket in advance if you want to guarantee your free entry.

Or you can take a tour with us.

Walk-up entry doesn't guarantee you will be admitted as the museum is currently limiting the number of visitors to allow for social distancing.

That will likely change at some date, but for now, it's best to book in advance.

  Book your free tickets here . Simply pick the date and time you'd like to visit. 

• You can book up to a maximum of eight people.
• Once you book your tickets, they will be emailed to you. You must show your ticket at the museum so either print it or be able to show it on a device.
• Arrive at the time stated on your ticket, as the museum can't guarantee admission before or after your allotted time slot.

Permanent Galleries

Every permanent gallery at the British Museum is entirely free to visit.

This includes exhibition areas covering art, culture, and other subjects from Africa, the Americas, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece/Rome, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

If you want to make sure the galleries of interest to you are open (they close periodically for maintenance) check here .

There are also a few areas dedicated to specific themes such as money, the Enlightenment, life and death, notable collections from around the world, and more.

These galleries are open daily from 10.00 to 17.00 (10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with an extended closing on Fridays when it stays open until 20:30 (8:30 pm).

Learn about Late Fridays at this and other London museums from our post Things to do in London at Night .

The Great Court

This is the main court of the museum, and it is where you will find things like the visitor information desk and the collections shop.

The Great Court also has a cafe that you can visit if you get thirsty or hungry during your visit to the museum.

Although there are restrooms in other areas of the building, this is probably the easiest place to find if you need to use a bathroom.

The Great Court is open daily from 10.00–17.00 (10 am - 5 pm) with extended closing on Friday nights at 20:30 (8:30 pm).

Free Limited Exhibitions/Displays

Some of the limited exhibits and displays offered at the British Museum are actually free for all visitors.

These attractions change from one year to the next, so it will be important to check what’s on at the British Museum for more details.

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• Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors, and Heroes (until Feb 24, 2024)
• Pharaoh: King of Egypt (until Oct 6, 2024)
• Egyptian Hieroglyphs: Unlock the Mystery (until Feb 18, 2024)
• Feminine power: The Fivine to the Femonic (until Aug 10, 2025)
• Botanical Drawings by Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues (until Jan 28, 2024)
• Gesture and Line Four post-war German and Austrian artists (until Apr 1, 2024)

TEMPORARY EXHIBITS

Temporary exhibitions at the British Museum change every few months, so it’s best to check their website for the most up-to-date list of what’s on .

These special exhibitions require tickets.

If ever there was a historic structure synonymous with London, it's Stonehenge. This exhibit has new finds as well as other objects that are on loan for the first time!

You'll see stunning gold jewelry, the Nebra Sky Disc, the world's oldest surviving map of the stars, and a well-preserved 4,000-year-old timber circle dubbed Seahenge.

An exhibit not to be missed. Date for 2024 is yet to be released.

Ticket Prices:

Monday - Friday

• Adults £20/ Seniors (60+) £20/
• Students and 16–18 years £18 (2-for-1 tickets on Fridays)/
• Under 16 free when accompanied by an adult
• Disabled visitors £18 (Assistant free, booking required)

Saturday and Sunday

• Adults £22/ Seniors (60+) £22
• Students and 16–18 years £20
• Disabled visitors £20 (Assistant free, booking required)

Purchase tickets or learn more .

Feminine power: the divine to the demonic

Explore the role that goddesses, witches, and saints have played in forming our understanding of the world.

You'll see sculptures, sacred objects and art from the ancient world to today.

• Adults £15/ Seniors (60+) £15
• Students and 16–18 years £13 (2-for-1 tickets on Fridays)
• Disabled visitors £13 (Assistant free, booking required)
• Adults £17/ Seniors (60+) £17
• Students and 16–18 years £15
• Disabled visitors £15 (Assistant free, booking required)

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

In addition to all the fantastic artwork on display at the British Museum, there are also some pretty fun things to do with your family.

This section will cover the kid-friendly activities available at this museum.

Samsung Digital Discovery Centre

This area of the museum includes a lot of digital equipment provided by Samsung which breathes new life into the world’s history and cultures.

Visitors can enjoy fun games on tablets, get a full 360-degree digital view of notable historic artifacts, and use technology to create a variety of art.

Although each of these activities are free, some may require a passport, national ID or driver’s license as a deposit.

Learn more about the Samsung Digital Discovery Centre .

Daily Activities

The British Museum provides a number of family-friendly activities for their fun that are available every day.

Parents who are looking for something fun to do with their kids might want to consider an activity trail, gallery backpacks, art materials (crayons, pencils, pads), or a family guide to the museum.

For more information about these activities, make sure to visit the Families Desk in the Great Court .

There are also special museum exclusive events aimed at families. Check the British Museum family event schedule for more details.

PUBLIC TOURS OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM

Below are the regular tours offered by the museum. We also offer our own tour on Fridays .

Daily Eye-Opener Tour

These tours run every 15 minutes between 11:00-15:45 (3:45 pm) from different areas of the museum.

The tours are completely free to follow, are held within one of the free galleries, and typically last 30-40 minutes each.

Currently, tours are limited to eight people, based on a first-come, first-served basis. Capacity will be increasing gradually over time.

Find out more information here .

Because there are so many offered throughout the day these brief, faster tours are perfect to take if you’re short on time and keen on learning more about the artifacts in a specific room.

• Length of tour: 30-40 minutes
• Time of tour: Several times, daily

Spotlight Tours

These tours take place every Friday evening as an accompaniment to the late night open hours.

They last 20 minutes each and run on the hour and half hour between 17:00 and 19:00.

The topics change every Friday, but each focuses on a particular time period or theme. Click here for the weekly schedule of Spotlight Tours.

• Length of tour: 20 minutes
• Time of tour: Friday evenings

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Around the World in 70 Minutes

This is the only paid tour and you must book in advance. It's well worth it!

This signature tour covers several highlights from each of the free galleries.

Learn about the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon frieze, and the Lewis Chessmen, amongst many other things.

The tour aims to educate guests on important artifacts from various cultures around the world.  

• Cost: £14 per person
• Length of tour: 70 minutes
• Tours take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11.30 and 14.00.
• Each tour has a capacity of 8 people.
• Recommended for adults and children aged 12+.
• Book your place in advance online .

Desire, love, identity: an LGBTQ tour

This tour is an exploration of objects in the collection that are related to themes of desire, love and identity.

Note that this unique tour frequently books up.

Currently, the tour schedule is every day 14.30–15.40 (2:30 pm-3:40 pm) from 4 May 2024 - 29 June 2024.

• Each tour lasts for around 70 minutes.
• Tours are free but booking is strongly recommended.
• Check the website for dates and to book your post.

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Out-of-hours tours

These volunteer-led tours take place before the museum is open to the public. Groups are currently limited to 12 people.

This is a wonderful way to experience the highlights of the collection with the museum all to yourself!

Tours include introductions to British Museum, ancient Egypt, China, the ancient Greek world and Life and death in ancient Egypt.

Tours run daily from 08.50–10.00. You must book in advance.

• £30 Concessions: students, disabled visitors
• £16.50 ages 5–15 years
• Free for under 5s and disabled visitors' assistant (no booking required)
• Book your tickets here .

Audio Guide

The British Museum also offers an audio a p p you can download onto your iPhone or Android to use at your own pace, even before or after your visit to the museum.

The audio app offers several self-guided tours with each exploring a theme such as Top Ten objects to ancient Egypt. Each themed tour is between £1.99 - £2.99.

The audio app covers 250 objects in the permanent galleries and is available in several different languages.

The app also features an interactive map of the museum, making it easy to navigate the many different galleries.

For a free audio tour alternative, check out the excellent Rick Steves audio guide .

Ways to Save on Admission

If you want to save money on the paid exhibits at the British Museum, there are a few different options to consider.

This section will provide details about each of the deals available on special and limited exhibits.

2 For 1 Deal

This is one of the best ways to save money on limited exhibitions that require tickets at the British Museum.

The 2 for 1 program allows visitors who use National Rail to purchase two tickets for the price of one.

All you have to do is use the rail for transportation to the museum and you’ll be eligible for the deal.

Since tickets cost between £20-£22, that is what you can expect to save on general admission using this method.

For more information, read our post covering the 2 for 1 deal in London .

National Art Pass

If you live in the UK, you might want to consider getting the National Art Pass for access to special limited exhibits.

Each of the paid exhibitions at the British Museum are included at half the cost with this museum pass.

The National Art Pass is valid for an entire year and is valid at more than 240 museums.

Prices start at £73 for adults, £45 for people under 30, £110 total for two adults at the same address and just £10 to add a child to your pass.

Become a Museum Member

Visitors who plan on going to the British Museum more than once over the course of a year may want to think about becoming a museum member. Prices start at £69 per year.

Membership is valid for an entire year, and it includes admission to all limited and special exhibits for free.

Members also receive access to exclusive lectures, tours, parties, and out-of-hours visits.

Visit on Event Days

Every now and then, the British Museum will offer deals on their paid exhibits, but only on specific dates and times.

If you want to take advantage of this deal, make sure to check what’s on at the British Museum for details about the attraction you want to see.

Use a Tourist Pass

Every now and then, some London tourist passes offer deals on temporary exhibits at the British Museum.

These services allow you to pay one flat price for a variety of different activities. If you plan on going to a lot of popular attractions, this is a great way to save money.

You can also get skip-the-line privileges at some locations, making it both faster and easier to get inside.

For more details about this opportunity, make sure to read our post covering London tourist attraction passes .

Although we do our best to provide as much information as possible about the British Museum, there's always a chance that we might have missed something important to your decision making process.

Thankfully, we have a Facebook Group known as London Travel Tips with over 150,000 users, and they often answer questions about this and other museums in the city.

Here are a few of the more helpful comments:

This is a common question, and the reality is that it was a lot easier to do this back before the pandemic, but it's still entirely possible if you're visiting on a weekday.

The only time you'll probably have to wait in a queue for a while is during weekends. That said, many members of our group insist it's still easy to get inside on the day of your visit.

Also, while we obviously hope you'll choose to support our website, it is true that some websites will try to upsell you on things you don't want or need. All the more reason to seek the opinion of less biased travelers and locals!

If you're looking for a place to eat, it seems pretty clear that most members of our group highly recommend the restaurant inside the British Museum.

Given how much walking you'll be doing while you're here, it does make sense to save some energy and just grab a bite to eat while you're here.

Caroline offers some excellent advice, insisting that it's easier to get into the museum on busy days by using the entrance at the back.

Most people don't even realize there is another entrance, so you can usually save a lot of time by using the back entrance.

If you're visiting with kids, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• There's so much to see at the British Museum that you could spend an entire day there alone and still miss out on a lot of excellent exhibits.
• This museum is very large, and it's not as big of a hit with children as the Natural History Museum.
• Most people spend at least 3-4 hours wandering around this massive building, so it's unlikely you'll have the energy to see another big museum on the same day, especially with children in tow.

For more advice, make sure to check our London Travel Tips group on Facebook and consider asking a question if you still need help planning out your day at the British Museum.

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About The Author

Jessica O'Neill

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Discover 8 Million Works of Art & History With These British Museum Tours in London

Things to do in London London Attractions Museums in London British Museum London Tours

It is commonly said that when you are in London, you are never too far away from a museum. With over 150 museums, galleries and exhibitions spread across the city, one can see why this statement holds true. London has a museum for literally everything - a science museum, a war museum, a natural history museum, a museum dedicated to The Beatles, a zoology museum, even a Freud museum! Looking at this vast list, it is safe to say that Londoners love their museums and all the history and traditions associated with it. However, out of this list, there is one museum in particular - the British Museum, which overshadows and outshines all the rest.

Here's a detailed guide to the British Museum in London, tickets to the best British Museum Tours, the must see exhibits at British Museum, the British Museum restaurants and a few insider tips that will help you plan your British Museum visit effortlessly.

British Museum In London

The British Museum in London is one of England’s largest, oldest and most comprehensive museums, with its permanent collections housing over 8 million works and articles. Through its exhibits and collections, this museum takes you back to the birth of mankind and civilization. The British Museum is dedicated to documenting and showcasing the evolution and culture of humankind, with exhibits from all over the world.

If you find yourself in London, visiting this museum should definitely be on the top of your list (after the London Eye, of course).

British Museum History and Architecture

British museum history.

The British Museum in London is the world’s first national public museum, established in the year 1753. The exhibits and items on display at the museum are largely based on the collections of Sir Hans Sloane , an Irish physician and scientist. Although the museum didn’t start out with much (71,000 objects), over the course of the last two and half centuries, it has undergone several changes, including widespread renovations and expansions, in order to accommodate the ever-growing collection.

Today, the British Museum, London is home to one of the most extensive and comprehensive collections of artefacts, sculptures, paintings, statues, manuscripts and other antiquities, all collected from around the globe and all dedicated to showcasing the leaps and bounds of human history.

British Museum Architecture

The British Museum was designed in the Greek Revival style, emulating the classical Greek architecture, with columns, a decorative pediment at the south entrance and a main quadrangle and 4 wings. The core of the building was designed by Sir Robert Smirke , at the time an eminent and established neoclassical architect. Smirke began the project with the construction of the east wing meant for the King’s Library, (today, considered one of the greatest examples of neoclassical interiors in London) and consequently moved onto the other wings.

What is most striking about the building is its exterior, built decoratively and beautifully so as to convey to its onlookers about the treasures and wondrous objects stored inside. Considering that the museum went through several expansions and restorations, a number of other architects worked on some of the newer areas and wings, including Sydney Smirke, Sir John Taylor and John Russell Pope, all adding to the allure and beauty of the museum we see today.

Tickets To The Best British Museum Tours

The british museum guided tour.

Explore the British Museum in London, one of the largest museums in the world with an expert tour guide by your side. On this British Museum Tour, take in 6,000 years worth of knowledge and walk through the history of mankind. Your guide will help you experience the museum in a lineage order i.e, your tour will progress in the same order as the date of the events that took place on earth. In this way, you will be able to make sense of everything you see and also witness step by step how mankind progressed from small, scattered tribes to modern, interconnected civilizations we see today.

This British Museum Tour is highly recommended for those who are interested in delving into the history of the artefacts and installations on display rather than just ambling about the museum. Note that tickets to this British Museum Tour grants access to all the exhibitions that are running in the museum.

British Museum Tour Timings - This tour begins every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 2:00 PM and goes on for 2 to 2.5 hours.

British Museum Guided Tour

• Enjoy a 2-2.5 hour guided tour of one of the oldest museums in the world
• Trace the history of mankind and see the tremendous progress made by our species in this short time on Earth
• Discover some of the world’s most famous artefacts, antiquities and items like the Rosetta Stone or the Egyptian Mummies.

Semi Private & Private Guided Tour of The British Museum

The British Museum in London has over 70 galleries and 8 million articles on display. Suffice to say, if you’re entering the museum for the first time, you are bound to get overwhelmed. On this semi private or private British Museum tour, you will be able to enjoy all that this wonderful museum has to offer, along with the services of a professional historian guide, who will not only curate your experience but also provide all the necessary and relevant information you need to know about the museum and its many contents. On this British Museum Tour, you get a chance to witness all the exhibits like the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, the Portland Vase etc. while learning about their history and significance. Get a truly enriching and insightful experience, and don’t be afraid to ask your guide any questions you may have.

This Semi Private/ Private British Museum Tour is recommended for those who are prefer small group intimate tours that allows personal attention from the historian guide. Note that tickets to this British Museum Tour grants access to all the exhibitions that are running in the museum.

British Museum Semi Private Guided Tour Timings Semi Private Tour Timings

• Mon - Thu & Sat - Sun: 10 AM
• Fri : 10 AM & 5 PM

Private Tour Timings

• Mon - Thu - 10 AM & 1 PM
• Fri - 10 AM, 1 PM & 5 PM
• Sat - Sun : 10 AM

Semi Private & Private Guided Tours

• Make the most out of your experience as you are led through the massive museum by a professional guide
• Choose to go on a small-group (8 people) tour or a private tour exclusively with your guide
• Once the tour is complete, explore the museum at your own pace and go back to the exhibits you fancy

Must See British Museum - Top 10 Artefacts & Exhibits

1. rosetta stone.

When visiting the British Museum, the Rosetta Stone should be on the top of your list of ‘must-see items’. It is essentially a stone of black granodiorite (part of a bigger block) with inscriptions in 3 languages, and was found in Rosetta, Egypt. This stone is key in understanding and deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and has been used by scholars to understand and study early human language. It is the most popular exhibit at the museum. Location - Ground Floor, Room 4

2. Egyptian Mummies

The British Museum has a very fine collection of Egyptian mummies and coffins, and in fact, holds the largest collection of Egyptian objects and artefacts outside Egypt. Among the mummies, the most notable sarcophagus is that of Pharaoh Nubkheperre Intef , an Egyptian King of the 17th dynasty. Location - Upper Floor, Rooms 62-63

3. Hoa Hakananai'a (The Easter Island Statue)

Hoa Hakananai'a is an original Easter Island statue, made of Basalt. It has often been described as a “masterpiece” and “the finest example of Easter Island sculpture. The statue was taken by the crew of a British ship from Orongo, Rapa Nui and was subsequently presented to Queen Victoria, who then passed it onto the museum. Location - Ground Floor, Room 24

4. The Sutton Hoo Mask and Ship Burial Collection

Considered one of the most important archaeological discoveries made in Britain, the Sutton Hoo helmet is a decorated Anglo-Saxon artefact that was found, along with a whole host of other items, during the excavation of the Sutton Hoo ship burial. This helmet is believed to be that of King Raedwald of East Anglia, given its elaborate and ornate decoration. Location - Ground Floor, Room 2

5. The Lewis Chessmen

Made out of Walrus ivory and whalebone, these are not your ordinary chess pieces. The Lewis Chessmen are a group of 12th century chess pieces, probably made in Norway or Iceland, and make up the largest collection of objects for leisure use from that period ever found. Currently, 82 of the 93 pieces found are on display the British Museum, while the remaining 11 are at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Location - Upper Floor, Room 40

6. Parthenon Marbles

Perhaps the most controversial item on display at the British Museum, the Elgin or Parthenon Marbles . These are a collection of beautiful classical Greek marble sculptures that were a part of the Temple of Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens. They are a subject of controversy as Greece claims that these statues were removed illegally from their country, while the UK maintains that Lord Elgin purchased them legally. Location - Ground Floor, Room 18

7. Colossal Red Granite Statue of Amenhotep III

This massive statue or bust is the head of Pharaoh Amenhotep III , the King of the 18th dynasty in Egypt. It was found at the Temple of Mut, in Karnak in 1817. Made completely of red granite, this bust stands at 2.90 meters, and is one of the most popular exhibits at the museum. Location - Ground Floor, Room 4

8. Assyrian Lion Hunt Reliefs

In ancient Assyria, lion hunting was done for sport, where captured Asian lions were released from cages for kings to kill using swords, spears or arrows. This activity has been showcased, quite brilliantly, on alabaster panels, and they are widely regarded as “supreme masterpieces of Assyrian art’. Location - Ground Floor, Room 10A

9. Double-headed Serpent

The double-headed serpent is an Aztec sculpture made out of wood and covered with turquoise mosaics. It came from Aztec Mexico and most scholars believe that it was used as ornamental piece during religious ceremonies. This sculpture is one of nine Mexican turquoise mosaics displayed at the British Museum. Location - Ground Floor, Room 27

10. The Portland Vase

Part of the Roman Empire exhibit, the Portland Vase is a cameo glass vessel, dated somewhere between AD 1 and AD 25. It is assumed to be a wedding gift, because of the depictions and pictures on it of love, sex and marriage, but no one knows for sure. Interestingly enough, the vase was destroyed in the 19th century and it was restored several times based on a copy made of the vase by Wedgwood, which in turn was also a masterpiece! Location - Upper Floor, Room 70

British Museum Restaurants

Walking through this colossal museum can definitely work up a solid appetite. If you catch yourself hungry and craving a bite, head to any of the 3 restaurants at British Museum and grab yourself a good meal. All the 3 British Museum restaurants are well reputated for their palatable edibles - from fish and chips to tea cakes and pizzas; so choose any and have a bite while you ponder over all that you discovered while exploring the musuem.

With an open kitchen and large, wide spaces, this restaurant provides a good escape from the crowded museum galleries. Enjoy a warm cup of tea or gorge on some delicious fish & chips here at the Great Court.

Located on the ground floor, the Court Cafe is perfect for a quick refuel as you work up an appetite walking through the museum. The cafe is known for its freshly made sandwiches, salads and cakes.

Also located on the ground floor, pizzeria, is perhaps the most popular of the 3 eateries (no surprise there). Serving up hand-tossed pizzas, refreshing salads and sinful desserts, Pizzeria makes for the perfect place to satisfy those hunger pangs!

British Museum Information

British museum opening times.

The British Museum, London is open daily 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM On Fridays it has longer operating hours and is open from 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM The British Museum remains closed on 1st January, Good Friday and from 24th to 26th December.

British Museum Directions

Get British Museum Directions on Google Maps

The nearest tube stations are Tottenham Court Road (500 meters), Holborn (500 meters), Russell Square (800 meters), Goodge Street (800 meters)

The following buses stop near the museum:

• 1, 8, 19, 25 38, 55, 98, 242 - Stop on New Oxford Street
• 10, 14, 24, 29, 73, 134, 390 - Stop northbound on Tottenham Court Road/southbound on Gower Street
• 59, 68, X68, 91, 168, 188 - Stop on Southampton Row

The British Museum is easily accessible by car and the nearest car parking is located at Bloomsbury Square, WC1A 2RJ

Know Before You Visit British Museum London

• Entry to the British Museum is free for all visitors. However, if you are looking for a guided tour (recommended), you will be charged a nominal fee. Tickets for a British Museum Guided Tour can be purchased at a discount online.
• There are cloakroom facilities at the museum, with the main cloakroom located west of the main entrance. There is a minimal charge, depending upon the item you check in (umbrella £1, coat £2 and bags £2.5)
• There are male and female washrooms located on each floor of the museum. The accessible toilets are located in the Great Court and the Ford Centre for Young Visitors.
• Free WiFi is provided for all visitors of British Museum
• Flash photography and video recording is permitted (for personal use only) in all areas of the museum.
• There are multilingual audio guides available for visitors to use. These can be purchased at the museum itself and cost about £7 per adult.

Insider Tips for Visiting the British Museum in London

• Although entry to the British Museum is free , it is highly recommended to take a guided tour of the collections. As mentioned earlier, there is just so much to see and explore and it can get pretty overwhelming. Having a guide will help you skip through all the noise and focus on the important exhibitions.
• Avoid going to the British Museum on school and public holidays. During these days, the museum gets horribly crowded and the lines to enter can stretch on forever. Save yourself the trouble and visit on weekdays.
• Once you enter the British Museum, tackle the popular attractions first. We'd recommend you head to the Rosetta Stone and Elgin Marbles first as these exhibits will take up most of your time.
• Have an action plan. Make a list of all the items and artefacts you want to see beforehand. This will not only help you save time but also a ton of energy.
• If you’re not sure what you want to see, take the Around the World in 90 Minutes Tour , which takes place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For £12 you will be able to see all the important sites in the museum in 90 minutes!
• If you don’t want to rush and take your time to see everything the museum has to offer, take multiple visits of the museum. Since it has free entry, you can go a bunch of times.

More London Guides

Looking to explore more of London ? Here are a few detailed guides on other star attractions in London. Check them out and plan your London vacation with tips and hacks from our seasoned travelers!

FAQs: British Museum in London

How long does it take to tour the british museum.

Recommended visiting time is  at least three to four hours , but if you're interested in joining some of the many different talks and tours at the museum, then be prepared to spend the entire day wandering around.

Is the British Museum worth seeing?

Look at the many TripAdvisor reviews for this great institution, and check out the website to find out what's on when you are there. Free entry means you could always return later in the same day or on another day. It is absolutely, definitely worth a visit.

Is the British Museum London Free?

The British Museum is free to enter and includes access to its permanent galleries. Special exhibitions usually require a fee. Although this attraction is free to visit, you must book a timed entry ticket in advance.

How much are tickets to the British Museum?

Do i need to book to visit the british museum.

You're advised to book a timed slot in advance (Opens in new window) to guarantee entry and help control the numbers of individuals who can visit. Walk-up visits are available each day for those who arrive at the Museum without advance bookings.

Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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Could the British Museum soon start charging tourists to enter?

A £20 entry fee has been proposed by the institution’s former interim director

One of the greatest things about London is that a whole host of our most important cultural institutions are completely free to enjoy – in fact, accessing permanent collections at pretty much any major museum or art gallery won’t cost you a single penny. 

But is that all about to change? Well, possibly. The British Museum ’s former interim director, Sir Mark Jones, has called for a £20 entry fee to be introduced for tourists, to help fund an enormous redevelopment of the museum as well as other projects. 

According to him, the British Museum could do with a refurb – one which looks to cost between £400m-500 million – and plans ‘include an increase in space and more space given over facilities for visitors.’ 

But clearly, quite a hefty amount of funding is needed. He told the Standard : ‘The money has to come from somewhere, either a major part of the funding has to be found out of taxation, which is difficult as the public finances are very stressed, or we need to reasonably charge [tourists].’

As it stands, entering the museum is free for everyone if you want to view the permanent collections, and you only need to pay for special exhibitions. What Sir Mark proposes is that entry for all Brits and those under 25 should remain free, but that a £20 entry fee for everyone else is reasonable as attractions such as the Louvre and the Acropolis charge about the same (the former €22, the latter €15). 

But he’s not stopping there – Jones has also suggested charging tourists for entry at other attractions across the UK, including the National Gallery , Natural History Museum and the Science Museum (though as far as we can tell, none of these institutions are planning refurbs). 

Instead, this is more to do with funding a partnership with Greece over the Elgin Marbles. They’ve been displayed at the museum for over 200 years since – you guessed it – Lord Elgin removed them from Greece when he was British Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire (which Greece alleges was illegal). 

Other statues from the 2,500-year-old Parthenon temple are on display in the Acropolis Museum, and Greece has long been calling for them to be reunited. Though Sir Mark concurs, he said: ‘If we were ever to find a way to create a partnership with the Greeks over the Parthenon Marbles, we would need to find a way to fund it.’

No mention of the museum considering the proposal has been reported yet, so plans for an entry fee for tourists at the British Museum are still way off, if they even go ahead. 

For a list of all our favourite London museums which are (and will hopefully continue to be) free, take a look here . 

Did you see that The British Museum’s mysterious domed Reading Room has officially reopened to the public ?

Plus: Plans for London’s largest nature haven have been revealed . 

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• extreme weather

See the Destructive Impact of Hurricane Beryl in Photos

H urricane Beryl, the first hurricane of the 2024 season in the Atlantic, has already broken storm records as it ravages through the Caribbean. Power lines have been brought down, homes flattened, and streets flooded across multiple southeastern Caribbean Islands. The death toll has risen to at least seven people, according to CNN.

Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Grenada are among the countries affected. In many of these places, the devastation is widespread: on Union Island, 90% of the houses have been “severely damaged or destroyed,” according to Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves.

Read More: How to Help Hurricane Beryl Victims

The storm is not done yet, as it continues its path through the Caribbean . In preparation, a hurricane warning is currently in effect in Jamaica and officials have activated natural disaster response protocols. The Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness imposed a curfew for July 3, advising people to stay inside between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. local time. 

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, the storm is then set to arrive at the Yucatán Peninsula  in Mexico on Friday.

Late Monday, Beryl became the earliest storm in history to develop into a Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic, peaking with winds of 165 m.p.h. Tuesday before weakening to a Category 4, now with 145 m.p.h. winds.

Here are photographs showcasing the destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl.

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British Museum Should Charge Visitors £20 Entry Fee, Says Former Director

The former director of the British Museum, one of the many London institutions that offers free admission, recently suggested that foreign tourists should pay an entry fee of £20 ($25), a measure that he said could help generate extra funds.

"The money has to come from somewhere," Mark Jones, who served as interim director last year, told the Sunday Times on June 30.

Jones told the Sunday Times that while museums should remain free of charge for British taxpayers and foreign visitors under 25, visitors from abroad should pay a general admission fee to institutions such as the British Museum and the Natural History Museum.

"The British put a very high value on free entry to museums-that is our tradition," he said. "People who support museums as taxpayers shouldn't also have to pay to visit them."

Jones said the admission price of "around £20" would also reduce crowds at exhibits and the length of time for visitors waiting to enter.

"The museum is too busy for people to experience it as they should; fighting your way through the crowds doesn't put you in the best state of mind to look at the collections," Jones told The Sunday Times .

The former head of the Victoria and Albert Museum also said the additional revenue could improve staff pay and lower the price of tickets for special exhibitions.

Last December, the British Museum announced a controversial, £50 million ($63.3 million) 10-year-sponsorship deal with BP that would help fund the refurbishment and redisplay of the museum's permanent collection. The total cost of the "extensive refurbishment" for the London museum is between £400 and £500 million, according to the Independent.

Jones was appointed to the interim director position at the British Museum in September after the institution admitted that more than 1,500 items from its collections had been lost, stolen, or damaged , prompting director Hartwig Fischer's resignation last August . Jones left the position this month following the permanent appointment of Nicholas Cullinan in March.

In Jones's interview with the Sunday Times , he also said the institution should share the long-disputed Parthenon Marbles with Greece.

"If we were ever to find a way to create a partnership with the Greeks over the Parthenon Marbles, we would need to find a way to fund it," said Jones.

More from ARTnews.com

• British Museum Says It Wants 'Realistic Solutions' to Parthenon Marbles Restitution Debate
• FBI Investigating Hundreds of Missing and Stolen Items from British Museum: Report

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The British Museum shouldn’t make foreigners pay

• 3 July 2024, 10:40am

David Abulafia

The interim director of the British Museum, Mark Jones, has broached the idea that our national museums should charge foreign visitors for entry, though not British visitors. On the surface it may seem an attractive idea. Our national museums are major attractions – not just in London but in Edinburgh and elsewhere, drawing in millions of people from across the world. The temptation to follow the almost universal practice of charging for entry is understandable. Museums can always do with more money, even if it is sometimes spent badly on worthless ‘decolonisation’ projects promoted by the likes of the Museums Association. The Metropolitan Museum in New York charges $30, though you can opt to give less, so long as it is something. You can even (if you dare) pay just one cent. But that is not actually a national museum; it is a private institution that depends on its benefactors and on its impressive ability to generate income. 

These museums are custodians of their contents on behalf of all of mankind

By contrast, the network of Smithsonian museums in Washington DC are free of charge. In bright yellow letters, the website of the National Gallery of Art in the same city bears the legend ‘Admission is always free’. The Smithsonian Institution includes a fine American Indian Museum, an African American Museum, a wonderful Air and Space Museum and much else. The Smithsonian claims to be the largest museum in the world, though it is really a collection of more than 20 nationally-owned museums, mostly in the capital. In making them free the United States government is recognising that these museums primarily tell a national story.

There is one big difference between the Smithsonian and the great London museums such as the British Museum, the National Gallery and the V&A. Apart from the National Portrait Gallery, the leading museums in Great Britain tell not just a national story but an international one. They are universal museums. In the case of the British Museum the whole history of humanity is encompassed, and in the case of the National Gallery the history of western painting from the thirteenth century onwards. In other words, they tell stories that resonate with a larger public than most of the Smithsonian museums, which are more meaningful to American citizens than they are to the Mexicans, Japanese, Cambodians, Nigerians, Italians, Egyptians, Greeks, Persians (the list goes on and on). All of these people will find reminders of their own history in the great London museums, along with something very important: the opportunity to make connections between objects from their own place of origin or ancestry and other civilizations of the past. These museums are custodians of their contents on behalf of all of mankind. This means that people from all countries of the world should be able to enter freely and see what these museums contain.

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This has considerable bearing on the question of restitution. Sent back to Athens, set in a museum exclusively devoted to ancient Athenian art, for which entry is charged, the Elgin Marbles would actually be displaced from their wider context, even if they were on show within sight of the Acropolis. They need to be retained in a place where they are situated within the entire history of Greek art, and not just Greek art but that of the predecessors, contemporaries and successors of the ancient Greeks, peoples such as the Minoans, the Etruscans and the Romans. As precious surviving fragments from a vibrant period in the history of art, everyone deserves the right to see them free of charge and as often as they wish. The same applies to all those objects which are now being reclaimed by their country of origin. By granting free access we affirm our right to have these objects in our care. Our claim to hold them in our museums rests to a significant degree on the fact that so many of our museums are free – not just the great national ones, but university museums such as the Ashmolean in Oxford and the Fitzwilliam in Cambridge (which takes everything a step further by not even charging for exhibitions). By the same token, another great national museum with a universal character, the Louvre, fails to acknowledge its truly international status by taking 22 Euros from most of its visitors.

Our museums are museums of and for the world. Open to all without charge, they confirm their right to be the repositories of the treasures they contain, and also confirm their position as the very best in the world. It is extraordinary that the interim director of our grandest museum should fail to recognise the moral obligation of our great museums to display their worldwide collections to worldwide visitors without ringing up the till.

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