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The British Museum

London, United Kingdom•4.2(283)•Art Gallery, Museum

Explore two million years of human history and culture across 50+ galleries with free entry and family-friendly activities.

The British Museum houses one of the world's most comprehensive collections of artifacts, spanning from the dawn of human history to the present day. Visitors can walk through more than 50 galleries showcasing cultures from across the globe, including ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The museum features iconic objects such as the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, Greek sculptures, and countless treasures that tell the story of human civilization. Families visiting the British Museum benefit from dedicated family facilities and activities designed to engage children of all ages. The museum offers object trails, audio guides, and special family events throughout the year. The stunning Great Court serves as a welcoming entrance, and the museum provides pushchair-friendly access, food and drink options, and comprehensive accessibility information to ensure a comfortable visit. Admission is free, though online booking is required for general entry. The museum caters to school groups, families, and individual visitors seeking both education and inspiration. With late opening on Fridays and special exhibitions regularly hosted alongside the permanent collections, there is always something new to discover. Whether visiting for the first time or returning to explore different galleries, the British Museum offers an unparalleled journey through human achievement and cultural diversity.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 17:00
Friday: 10:00 – 20:30
Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in or book in advance

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly
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Google Reviews

4.2(283 reviews)
Y
Yeray Oliván

Yeray Oliván

a month ago

As a tour guide, this is the worst museum I have ever worked in. The collection is extraordinary, but the attitude of the staff is shockingly poor. For an institution as prestigious as the British Museum, the level of customer service is simply unacceptable. Many members of staff are rude, unhelpful and openly hostile towards visitors. Instead of making people feel welcome, they often treat them as a nuisance. The gallery attendants in particular seem more interested in policing visitors than helping them. Their attitude frequently creates a tense and unpleasant atmosphere that damages the overall experience. It is a real shame that one of the world's greatest museums is let down by the behaviour of the very people who are supposed to represent it. The museum's collections deserve far better.

T
Thomas van den Berg

Thomas van den Berg

4 months ago

The only redeeming part about this museum is that it's free, I guess? My biggest issue is that there is simply way too much on display, with geography and age as sole overarching narrative. As a result, many singlular artifacts only get elementary focus, are put in dusty corners with little attention - wholly undeserved, and wholly unnecessary if the museum would distribute the art to smaller, dedicated museums. A good example is the Parthenon museum in Athens which has a far more beautiful, thoughtful, clean and preservation-oriented museum for the parts of the facade that weren't taken to London. You could say, oh, then just visit it for a longer time and spend all the time you want on everything, like some people taking a full week to visit the Louvre. But you'd be mad to do that at this museum, in my opinion. I visited on a somewhat warm day (22 degrees) and yet the heat and humidity inside was awful. There is no airconditioning. It's extremely overcrowded. If like me you feel a deep love for art and history, I would urge you to not subject yourself to this. It felt like an assault on all of the senses. There's many other museums in London that are actually a nice experience.

M
mark reed

mark reed

6 months ago

I explored the museum a lot more than last time and found lots of bits with new information about history

K
Keve László

Keve László

a year ago

The British Museum is a world-class institution that offers an unparalleled journey through human history, art, and culture. Stepping inside feels like traveling across continents and millennia, with its vast collections spanning ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, Asia, Africa, and beyond. From the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles, the museum houses some of the most significant artifacts ever discovered, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to witness the achievements of civilizations past. What makes the British Museum truly exceptional is its accessibility—entry is free, allowing everyone to explore its wonders. The galleries are thoughtfully curated, blending education with awe-inspiring exhibits. Special exhibitions often delve deeper into fascinating themes, enriching the visitor experience. While debates about provenance and restitution are important, the museum remains a vital space for learning, dialogue, and appreciation of global heritage. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious, the British Museum is a must-visit. Its grandeur, diversity, and sheer scale make it one of London’s greatest cultural treasures. A truly inspiring place!

B
Balboni

Balboni

a year ago

Great museum of antiquities. Free entry. Strict security and bag check. The museum is huge so you probably need a day to walk round. Cafes are busy and overpriced. Usually lots of kids/school trips during term time. Inadequate toilet facilities for number of visitors. Staff quite friendly. Reading room is fantastic. Can have afternoon tea in the upper dining area. Recommended.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026

Events at The British Museum

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 7 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about The British Museum

Is The British Museum free to visit?

Entry to The British Museum is completely free — there are no admission charges, making it a great no-cost option for a family day out.

Is The British Museum dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at The British Museum.

Is there parking at The British Museum?

The British Museum doesn't have on-site parking, but parking is available nearby.

Is there food at The British Museum?

Yes, food is available on site at The British Museum.

Is The British Museum pushchair-friendly?

Yes, The British Museum is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at The British Museum?

The British Museum is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to The British Museum by public transport?

The British Museum is well-served by public transport.

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