Sunday 27 May 2012

London Free Attractions- #7 - British Museum



The British Museum founded in 1753, was the first national public museum anywhere in the world.  Reported to house over 8 million items it is the largest museum in existence with it's worldwide collections demonstrating the story of human history and culture from its beginnings to the present day. However, normally only a small proportion of these items are on show at any one time, around a mere 50,000 exhibits...more than enough to keep you busy. All four corners of the globe are represented with all manner of items, sculptures, artwork, documentation, artifacts, ceramics, armoury ......the list just goes on and on. Obviously such a large collection takes a long time to view, so expect your visit to last a number of hours but it will be time very well spent.
The most popular items to be viewed within the museum are the "Rosetta Stone", The "Mummy Collection" in the ancient Egypt room and the controversial "Elgin Marbles", still demanded back by the Greek government. My personal favourite is the "Sutton Hoo Helmet" dating back to the 7th Century, excavated from a sunken Anglo Saxon ship in Suffolk, United Kingdom.


Located in the Bloomsbury area of London, this is a must see attraction and again like other museums around the city is totally free. However any voluntary donation given at the entrance would allow this site to continue educating  how civilisation has developed over the centuries. In turn there are certain specialist exhibitions where a fee is charged for entry.

Entering through the Great Russell Street entrance allows you to view the magnificent Greek Style Columned buildings and then once inside you are greeted by a more modern but no less spectacular sight of the "The Queen Elizabeth Great Court". Built in 2000, this glass roofed area houses the iconic Reading Room in its centre. This glorious room, housing rows of bounded books, makes you feel you are stepping back in time and should not be missed under any circumstances.

The museum is open daily -

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