Is The British Museum Worth Visiting
Published February 15, 2025
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The British Museum is famous for its historic artifacts and collections such as the Parthenon Sculptures, Rosetta Stone, and Crouching Venus, among others.
It is also recognized as part of the most iconic museums globally, making it an essential visit during your time in London.
So, is the British Museum worth visiting? Keep reading to find out!
What's The British Museum?
British Museum is part of the most extensive and oldest museums globally, housing a collection of over seven million artifacts including the Elgin Marbles, Rosetta Stone, and Egyptian mummies.
It was founded in 1753, and its neoclassical design and the famous Great Court featuring a glass roof create an extraordinary venue to delve into the cultural legacy of Britain as well as that of numerous other societies.
The museum has consistently ranked among the most frequented museums globally, and it continues to be a center for education, cultural appreciation, and research, attracting lots of visitors each year to explore the diverse fabric of man's history.
Currently, the museum houses approximately eight million items, of which about 1% are exhibited to the public.
It's essential to mention that there isn't a single "correct method" to explore the museum. It entirely relies on your energy, your interests, and the period you can allocate.
Families with kids will find it enjoyable though this largely is dependent on their degree of interest.
It is not especially romantic for pairs, but it's not terrible either, though budget tourists and backpackers often appreciate their stay here.
History of The British Museum
It is worthwhile to consider how the British Museum evolved into the institution it is now.
It all began with Hans Sloan - one man with various skills, he worked as a naturalist, a physician, and a gatherer.
He succeeded in collecting more than eighty thousand items, primarily coins, manuscripts, and maps.
After some time, Sloan understood that his residence was no more an appropriate space for too many artifacts, so he entrusted the collections to the country.
This occurred under two stipulations; that his beneficiaries obtain £20,000 compensation and that the collection stays available to the whole public at no cost.
This was accepted and, in 1753, via a Parliamentary act, the British Museum got inaugurated inside Great Russell St.
The collection at the museum is now organized into various galleries showcasing cultures from across the globe.
Is the British Museum Worth Visiting?
Certainly, the British Museum is worth a visit.
It houses several of the most renowned ancient artifacts globally such as the historic Parthenon Sculptures and Rosetta Stone.
Also, it is among the most popular London attractions so you should anticipate a large number of tourists upon your arrival.
The British Museum is systematically arranged and features numerous galleries that represent various historical eras.
So, don't overlook it as it's a popular choice for numerous travelers, and ensure it is included in your travel plans.
Best Time for Visiting The British Museum
Regarding the best time for visiting, the British Museum remains equally active throughout the year.
However, to steer clear of the crowds, try to avoid the peak season if you can and consider going on weekdays.
Also, try to go early or late in the evening and note that visiting is only permitted during daylight hours.
How Long to Visit the Museum?
One should anticipate spending approximately 3 hours in the British Museum.
Be prepared to walk a lot while you're here, so choose comfortable footwear.
Nonetheless, everything is inside, so you may avoid the weather when necessary.
What to Expect at the Museum
Goddess Athena
An uncomplicated rectangular building devoted to the Goddess Athena is the Parthenon.
Constructed in the fifth century BC, it was elegantly adorned, featuring statues and a frieze in its pediment.
From the initial structure, the museum showcases roughly 75m of this frieze, along with 15 metopes and 17 pediment statues.
Examining the frieze carefully, you can notice the intricate representations of animals, such as cattle and horses, alongside humans and deities all commemorating the birthday of the goddess Athena.
The tales connected to these statues are intriguing, and the sculptures significantly impacted Western art, culture, and literature.
Enlightenment Gallery
This exhibition in the British Museum transports you to the eighteenth century.
It was a time of enlightenment, a period that the British Empire acquired riches primarily from its own colonies.
Numerous researchers have sought to understand human history via different ancient artifacts.
A European viewpoint influenced many of these opinions, leading to the rethinking of certain concepts in contemporary times.
The gallery also displays the initial British Museum arrangement at its opening.
The collection primarily consisted of books, mainly from the library of King George III, along with Hans Sloan’s initial collection.
The British Library and British Museum were once a single institution; however, the British Library has relocated and is now in a separate place.
Regarding the founder, if you wish to view the individual who motivated this impressive collection, his statue is showcased in the gallery.
Lion Hunt Statues
Assyrians of ancient times viewed lion hunting as a royal pastime, notably illustrated by Ashurbanipal, the king.
He ordered these statues for his Nineveh palace that illustrated him freeing wild cats before they’re killed in the chase or driven into nets – scenes rich in realism and tension.
Parthenon Sculptures
The gallery immerses you in ancient Greek culture, placing you among relics from the renowned Athens Parthenon.
What began in the form of a temple became a church and later a mosque.
This Parthenon was subsequently severely harmed by an explosion of gunpowder.
Also, the British Ambassador, Lord Elgin’s later dismantling of the frieze and statues from Athens remains controversial even today.
Additional Parthenon Sculptures sections are displayed in the popular Acropolis Museum located in Athens.
Treasure of Sutton Hoo
In Suffolk, an intriguing discovery took place in 1939, when Basil Brown, an amateur archaeologist, revealed the renowned treasure of Sutton Hoo.
Beneath a vast mound of soil, he found a vessel filled with numerous artifacts, such as coins, sections of armor, weapons, and additional items.
The burial of Sutton Hoo is thought to be the very last resting site of the Anglo-Saxon monarch, Raedwald.
He passed away in 624, and it is believed that the acerbic soil dissolved his body.
This artifact aids in enhancing our Anglo-Saxon England's history knowledge.
The sword and helmet showcased are the main features of the exhibit, and the bag is filled with additional artifacts from the burying.
The treasure was discovered once more in 2021 with the release of a new movie titled “The Dig”.
This movie depicts the challenges faced by Basil Brown, the archaeologist, including the excavation process and his interactions with the British Museum.
After the treasure was found, museum representatives assumed control of the excavation, and the name of Basil was almost lost to history.
He was awarded posthumous recognition for his outstanding work not long ago.
Game of Ur
When we look between the majestic winged bulls’ legs, we can spot a carve that looks like a board game; it truly is a game designed for people who feel bored.
This game is a regal game that turned into a favored ancient Assyria board game.
The game match took place on a ten-times-ten square board featuring 25 white and black tokens.
The goal of this game is to take all your rival's pieces or encircle them.
It's believed that the sentries stationed beneath this grand structure etched the grid for entertainment purposes.
Britain and Europe Gallery
Often, when we mention ancient civilizations, we marvel at their achievements and the level of artistry they exhibited.
Europe and Britain tend to be underestimated when compared, yet European continent presents a wealth of opportunities, even if its artifacts are somewhat more “contemporary” than the ones from ancient times.
Numerous artifacts associated with the Roman people have been discovered throughout the country, such as jewelry, tiles, weapons, and several others.
The treasure of Mildenhall exemplifies the artistry and skill of the Romans during the fourth century AD.
This trove comprises roughly 34 separate items, featuring spoons, silver bowls, and a large dish.
The intricacies of the magnificent dish depict various Roman deities, including Neptune and Bacchus, alongside additional mythological beings.
The artifacts were discovered during World War II and recognized as a treasure collection in 1946 by the museum.
Rameses II
Near Rosetta Stone stands a grand Rameses II statue, providing us with a glimpse of the pharaoh's appearance.
It also provides us with a glimpse into his pride.
Rameses was famous for constructing statues depicting himself throughout his territory, simply to remind Egypt of the ancient civilization who is in control.
Serpent with Two Heads
The most renowned of the British Museum's statuettes is a serpent with two heads, crafted from wood and lavishly adorned with turquoise, shell, and coral.
This object is thought to be ceremonial and likely worn around one's neck in the form of a chest decoration during religious rituals.
Snakes represented renewal and fertility, and in the culture of Aztecs, snakes were deemed sacred as well.
In artistic depictions, Quetzalcoatl, a principal god of the Aztecs, was symbolized as a serpent.
This serpent is encircled by double masks, adorned with shell and turquoise, and crafted with cedar wood.
The mask featuring large eyes represents the deity Quetzalcoatl, with his eyebrows resembling two snake rattles.
The other mask symbolizes Xiuhtecuhtli, the Fire God, often portrayed as a butterfly.
Upon close inspection, the cheeks of the mask truly symbolize butterfly wings.
Rosetta Stone
The first floor of the Galleries of the Egyptians is filled with impressive monuments, and the initial and likely the most well-known item there is the historic Rosetta Stone.
When approaching its glass case, ensure you do that closely to observe three identical manuscripts in two different languages with intriguing details.
The three scripts include hieroglyphics (the language of Ancient Egyptian), Ancient Greek, and lastly, Demotic (a more simplified form of hieroglyphics, likewise Ancient Egyptian).
A significant achievement occurred at the time Jean Francois succeeded in decoding the hieroglyphics of Egyptians by relating them to the Greek alphabet of Ancient times.
The historic Rosetta Stone was found by French troops while Napoleon was campaigning in Egypt.
Statue of Easter Island
Another most apparent item is the Moai, which initially was located in the stone village of Orongo.
This statue was encircled by its peers, all facing away from the ocean, guarding the island with its residents.
Donated to the British Museum by Victoria, the Queen, who received it from an explorer, the statue's presence always stirs up controversy.
The Easter Island native inhabitants assert that this statue was taken during the colonial era and ought to be restored as it is among their cultural heritage.
Numerous museums refute this claim by stating that displaying these artifacts in a museum not only guarantees their conservancy but also allows for greater accessibility to a wider audience.
No matter which side you stand on, we suggest you take advantage of the convenient entry to these renowned artifacts from antiquity.
Egyptian Mummies
Were you aware that the people from Egypt were famous for animal mummification?
This typically occurred for either two reasons: as sacrifices to the deities or to grant the animals an afterlife.
Cats, snakes, crocodiles, monkeys, fish, and many other creatures are showcased here.
Also, the mummification of humans was mainly practiced by royalty, nobles, and the affluent, mainly due to the high costs involved in the entire procedure.
Numerous mummies are showcased, alongside various sarcophagi that are exquisitely adorned with vibrant images and hieroglyphs.
Before the long and costly mummification process, the Egyptians depended on the arid and hot climate to keep the dead preserved.
Bodies were merely put in shallow graves, covered with just sand, and abandoned to dry.
Visitors can observe how this functioned by examining a human mummy inside room 64 of the museum.
So, for anyone fascinated by the body, there’s an interactive display in the British Museum that reveals various body layers, ranging from the bones to the skin.
Dying and Living Gallery
The gallery explores death and life and how various cultures approach maintaining good health.
An interesting exhibit in the gallery is the big glass showcase located at the room center.
Upon careful examination, you will identify numerous pills and medications - they illustrate the average consumption throughout the lifespan of a British person.
Is a Tour Necessary in The British Museum?
You can easily go alone to the British Museum and experience everything.
However, although not mandatory, a tour is recommended.
Tours frequently offer a more effective stay along with captivating insights and narratives related to the museum.
Also, a guided tour can enhance your museum visit by offering in-depth knowledge about lots of the captivating items exhibited.
Conclusion
I recommend that you come by the British Museum very soon and visit often if you can.
The exhibits at the museum are absolutely incredible and entirely free to access, thanks to the initiative from the UK Government.
Set off on an enthralling adventure through time at the renowned museum, where special exhibits provide a chance to see remarkable artifacts from across the globe.
Also, dive into the stunning beauty of enchanting artifacts and hidden tales that will create a memorable impact long after an experience.
