The British Museum stands in the Bloomsbury area of London, United Kingdom. It is a universal museum devoted to human history and culture, and it was the world's first public national museum, founded in 1753 and open to visitors since 1759.
Why it is worth the trip
Few places let you stand face to face with so much of the human story in a single day. You can see the Rosetta Stone, the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs, then walk on to the Parthenon marbles from the Acropolis of Athens and the colossal bust of Ramesses II. Beyond the famous names, the galleries hold Assyrian and Babylonian antiquities, Greek vases, Roman sculpture, and objects from the Americas, the Far East and the South Seas. Manuscripts such as the Lindisfarne Gospels and the only surviving manuscript of Beowulf add a literary thread, and the sheer scale of it all is quietly humbling.
The best time to go
Go as early in the day as you can, since the best-known galleries such as the Egyptian rooms and the Rosetta Stone are far calmer before the crowds build. The museum is indoors, so it suits any season, and it makes a good refuge on a grey or rainy London day.
How long to allow
Allow several hours even for a focused visit, and more if you want to wander widely. Choosing a few areas of interest, such as ancient Egypt or Greece and Rome, will make the day more rewarding than trying to see everything.
Getting there
The museum is in Bloomsbury, in central London, and is easy to reach from the heart of the city. Check a current journey planner for the best route from where you are staying.
What to book ahead
Admission to the permanent collection is free, but it is worth checking the museum's official information before you go in case any entry arrangements or special exhibitions need a reservation.
Nearby
After your visit, head into central London to see the Tower of London and the London Eye, two more of the city's landmark sights.