British Museum
British Museum · Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom
Last updated 2026-10-29
By Global Travel Guide Editorial Team
Introduction
Founded in 1753 from the collections of Sir Hans Sloane, it was the first national public museum in the world and has stayed open almost continuously since, with free admission. Its roughly 8 million objects trace two million years across every continent. Holdings include the Parthenon sculptures, the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, the Lewis Chessmen and Assyrian palace reliefs. The neoclassical building centres on the Great Court, a glass-roofed courtyard designed by Foster + Partners and opened in 2000. Galleries open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, with most staying open until 20:30 on Fridays; the museum closes on 1 January, Good Friday and 24 to 26 December. Special exhibitions carry a separate charge, typically 18 to 22 pounds. Tottenham Court Road station is a five-minute walk; arrive at opening time or on a weekday morning to avoid crowds.
Ticket Price
Free general admission; Some special exhibitions require paid tickets (typically £18–£22 (≈ USD 24–29)); Audio guide: £8 adults. Check the official site before booking.
Opening Hours
Daily 10:00–17:00; Fridays open until 20:30 (most galleries); Closed: 1 January, Good Friday, 24–26 December. Check the official site before visiting. Check website for latest hours and any closures.
Transportation
Tube: Tottenham Court Road (Central, Northern) — 5 min walk; Russell Square (Piccadilly) — 8 min walk; Holborn (Central, Piccadilly) — 8 min walk; Bus: several routes stop on New Oxford Street and Gower Street; National Rail: Euston, King's Cross, St Pancras are all 15-20 min walk
Best Season
Year-round, all weather (fully indoor); Arrive at opening time or on weekday mornings to avoid worst crowds; Friday evenings are quieter and have special events; Summer and school holidays are extremely busy
Pro Tip: Book a free timed ticket
Local Tips You'd Only Learn After Visiting
The details official guides skip — save time, avoid crowds, and get better photos.
1
Book a free timed ticket Entry is free, but timed tickets help during busy periods. Use the main entrance on Great Russell Street and check the current opening days before visiting.
Member-Only Tips
Upgrade to unlock insider hacks, best photo spots, and crowd timing advice.
Frequently Asked Questions4 questions
Entry is free, but a free timed ticket is recommended and can be booked online. Walk-ins are possible but queues build by mid-morning.
The Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, the Egyptian mummies and the Sutton Hoo treasure are the classic highlights.
Three to four hours covers the highlights; a full day is needed for the whole museum. Pick two or three galleries rather than trying to see everything.
Yes, the British Museum stays open until 20:30 on Fridays; other days close at 17:00. It is closed 24-26 December.