The British Museum

Introduction  of The British Museum

The British Museum is not only the heart of London’s life but also one of the most fascinating places in the world. While the British Museum may not revolve around the city itself, it remarkably demonstrates London's exploratory and adventurous nature. British archaeologists and scientists have collected the majority of the museum’s 8 million objects.  

People staying in hotels near the Park Grand Lancaster Gate have an exceptional opportunity to explore London's heritage as well as the wide tapestry of human civilization. Each of the museum’s ten departments has numerous galleries, while the museum as a whole plays a key role in creating a chronicle of human culture.  

The History of the British Museum  

The British Museum is 270 years old. It was established in 1753 and is considered one of the oldest museums in the world. Since then, the museum has undergone significant changes. In the beginning, it was just another private art collection, but nowadays, it is one of the biggest tourist attractions.  

The construction of the British Museum began in the eighteenth century with an Irish physician and naturalist, Sir Hans Sloane. Sloane went on an adventure in search of a diversified set of rare objects and specimens from across the globe. At the time of his death, Sloane showed great commitment to the British King, George III, by donating his private collection of 71,000 artifacts to maintain their unity and preservation.  

The "Cabinet of Curiosities"  

Sloane’s multifaceted collection included various botanical specimens, manuscripts, prints, and drawings collected from different parts of the world. When Sloane died in 1753, his collection became known as the "Cabinet of Curiosities" and was exhibited to the public as one of the most important collections of natural history.  

In compliance with an act of Parliament, it was ultimately united with the ancient libraries of two well-known figures: Sir Robert Bruce Cotton (Cottonian Library) and Sir Robert Harley (Harleian Library). These collections were first exhibited in Montagu House. Interestingly, Buckingham Palace was initially mentioned as a possible location for the British Museum.  

Architectural Evolution  

Approximately 70 years later, Montagu House was almost completely ruined and was demolished. The year 1925 marked the beginning of the construction of today’s world-famous British Museum. Today, the museum has an even broader and more focused collection.  

Since the above-mentioned libraries were transferred to King’s Cross Library, they are no longer part of the museum. Consequently, the British Museum is now primarily centered on artifacts and human civilization. The current design of the museum has outgrown the original vision of 18th-century architect Sir Robert Smirke.  

The Great Court

The Great Court is now located at the center of the museum. It features a dome with a glass-covered ceiling. This contemporary design not only enhances the museum's aesthetics but also improves ventilation and provides additional space, which helps manage the crowded nature of the venue.  

The museum also has several wings that have been constructed and renovated over time, making it an ever-evolving institution.  

Major Departments and Collections  

Department of Egypt and Sudan

The Egypt and Sudan department surpasses all other museums in the world with its collection of over 100,000 antiquities. Covering more than 11,000 years of history, it houses remarkable Coptic Christian and Neolithic objects.  

One of its most famous exhibits is the well-preserved mummified body named Gebelein Mummy, which dates as far back as 3400 BC.  

Department of Greece and Rome

The Department of Greece and Rome contains artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age and features some of the most significant artworks from the Classical period. In the 19th century, archaeology was a newly emerging field, and many of the pieces in this collection were gathered by archaeologists from the Holy Roman Empire, the Aegean Islands, and Greece.  

Middle East Exhibition

The most substantial collection of Mesopotamian works in the world can be found in the Middle East exhibition. Alongside old sculptures and stone tablets, this exhibition includes many items excavated by famous archaeologists T.E. Lawrence and D.G. Hogarth.  

Print Room Collections

The British Museum is also home to an outstanding collection of prints and drawings that date back to the Medieval Period. Room 90 features an exquisite exhibition gallery, presenting the collection through the eyes of a true art lover—an absolute paradise for aficionados of ancient art.  

Department of Britain, Europe, and Prehistory

This department includes some of the earliest handmade tools crafted as far back as 2 million years ago. The collection, located on the highest floor of the museum, presents artifacts from Scandinavia, the UK, Latvia, and even the Ice Age.  

Department of Asia

With its 75,000 historical objects and millions of archaeological items, the Department of Asia is one of the most impressive collections in the museum. Many of its artifacts were collected over centuries by colonial officers. Highlights include Chinese ritual bronzes and sacred Indonesian statues, vividly illustrating the diversity of Asian arts.  

Temporary Exhibitions  

Edvard Munch Exhibition

One of the museum’s most captivating temporary exhibits is dedicated to Edvard Munch’s paintings and drawings. This exhibition explores the political and social context of Munch’s artworks, as well as his emotional and expressive thinking.  

The Manga Collection

The second most popular temporary exhibit is the Manga collection, which showcases Japan’s rich culture and history. Manga has been highly influential due to its visual narrative art, which has spread across different media.  

This exhibition appeals to fans of comics, cartoons, and art in general, regardless of age. Visitors can take a virtual journey through this display, discovering hidden gems to explore later at home.  

Accessibility and Location  

Tourists staying in central areas of London can easily visit the British Museum. It is one of the most accessible and easy-to-reach museums in the city, surrounded by four tube stations within a one-mile radius.  

Moreover, there are countless restaurants, cafés, and diners nearby for visitors to enjoy before embarking on their museum tour.