The Great British Museum is one of the world’s largest and most important museums of human history and culture. Located in London, England, the museum houses a vast collection of artefacts from across the world, spanning over two million years of human history. With over six million visitors each year, the Great British Museum is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the UK.
History of the Museum
The Great British Museum was founded in 1753, when Sir Hans Sloane bequeathed his collection of over 71,000 objects to the nation. The museum was initially located in Montagu House, a large townhouse in Bloomsbury, London. In 1823, the museum was relocated to the current site in Great Russell Street, where it has remained ever since.
Collection
The Great British Museum houses a vast collection of artefacts from around the world. The collection is divided into eight departments: Ancient Egypt and Sudan; Greece and Rome; Britain, Europe and Prehistory; Asia; Africa, Oceania and the Americas; Coins and Medals; Prints and Drawings; and Conservation and Scientific Research. The museum’s collection includes over 8 million objects, from ancient Egyptian mummies to modern artworks.
Exhibitions
The Great British Museum hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year. The museum’s permanent collection is always on display, and the museum also hosts special exhibitions featuring works from across the world. The museum also has an education centre, which offers a range of activities and workshops for children and adults.
The Great Court
The Great Court is the museum’s main public area, and one of the largest covered public spaces in Europe. It is home to the museum’s famous Reading Room, which was originally part of the British Library. The Great Court is also home to the museum’s collection of Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta Stone.
The British Library
The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom and the largest library in the world by number of items catalogued. The library holds over 150 million items, from manuscripts and maps to books and music. The library is open to the public and has a number of reading rooms, including the famous Reading Room in the Great Court of the Great British Museum.
Events and Activities
The Great British Museum hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year. These include lectures, workshops, guided tours, film screenings, and more. The museum also offers a range of educational programmes for schools and groups.
Visiting the Great British Museum
The Great British Museum is open every day except for Christmas Day and Good Friday. The museum is open from 10am to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday, and from 10am to 8.30pm on Fridays. Admission to the museum is free, although there may be charges for some exhibitions and events.
The Great British Museum is a must-see for anyone visiting London. With its vast collection of artefacts from around the world and its variety of exhibitions and events, the museum is sure to delight and educate visitors of all ages.
- History of the Museum: Founded in 1753, the Great British Museum was initially located in Montagu House, before being relocated to its current site in 1823.
- Collection: The museum’s collection includes over 8 million objects, from ancient Egyptian mummies to modern artworks.
- Exhibitions: The museum hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, as well as offering an education centre with activities and workshops.
- The Great Court: The Great Court is the museum’s main public area, and is home to the famous Reading Room.
- Events and Activities: The museum hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year, as well as educational programmes for schools and groups.
- Visiting the Museum: The museum is open every day except for Christmas Day and Good Friday, and admission is free.