The British Museum opened in 1753 as the world’s first national public museum and has offered free entry ever since, making it one of the essential things to do in London. Located in the heart of London, it houses more than 8 million objects displayed across over 60 galleries that trace the story of human civilisation. Few places represent London history as vividly as this vast institution, where collections connect the city to cultures across the globe. Among the most famous exhibits are the Rosetta Stone, which unlocked Egyptian hieroglyphics, the Parthenon Marbles, the Lewis Chessmen, the Sutton Hoo treasure, and the extensive Egyptian mummy rooms. The Great Court, redesigned in 2000 with a sweeping glass roof by Norman Foster, forms Europe’s largest covered public square and stands as an architectural highlight in its own right. Visitors often spend at least half a day exploring, while dedicated museum lovers return for multiple visits. The museum attracts London people and international travellers alike, reinforcing the city’s global identity, symbolised by the Union Jack often mistaken as the London flag.

What makes this place special

In Room 4, the Rosetta Stone dated to 196 BCE remains the most visited object, a trilingual decree that enabled Champollion to decipher hieroglyphics in 1822.

In Room 18, the 5th century BCE sculptures from the Athens Acropolis display metopes, frieze sections, and pediment fragments, whose presence in London continues to spark debate yet remains unforgettable for visitors.
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