Explore the British Museum

Home to 8 million objects spanning 2 million years of human history. Free general admission to the world's first national public museum in London.

Plan Your Visit
6.5M+
Annual Visitors
8M+
Objects in Collection
2M Years
Of Human History
Free
General Admission

Why Visit the British Museum

The world's first national public museum, founded in 1753

🏛️

Free Admission

The permanent collection is completely free to visit. No tickets needed — just walk in and explore 8 million objects spanning every continent and 2 million years of history.

🗿

World-Famous Collection

See the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon Marbles, Egyptian mummies, the Sutton Hoo helmet, Lewis Chessmen, and treasures from every major civilisation in human history.

🎧

Audio Guide

Enhance your visit with the multimedia audio guide available for just £7. Expert commentary on the museum's greatest treasures in multiple languages.

✨

The Great Court

Marvel at the Queen Elizabeth II Great Court — the largest covered public square in Europe, designed by Norman Foster and opened in 2000. A stunning glass-and-steel roof spanning two acres.

How to Visit

Plan your British Museum visit in 3 easy steps

1

Check Opening Hours

The museum is open daily 10:00-17:00, with selected galleries open until 20:30 on Fridays. Check for any special closures or exhibitions.

2

Plan Your Route

With 94 galleries across multiple floors, decide which highlights you want to see. The Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and Parthenon Marbles are must-sees.

3

Arrive & Explore

Enter through the main Great Russell Street entrance — no ticket needed for the permanent collection. Pick up a free map or rent an audio guide at the desk.

What Visitors Say

Millions of visitors explore the British Museum every year

★★★★★

"Seeing the Rosetta Stone in person was unforgettable. The Egyptian collection is absolutely incredible — you could spend an entire day just in those galleries alone."

James W., Australia

★★★★★

"The Great Court is breathtaking — the glass roof is a masterpiece in itself. And the fact that the permanent collection is completely free is amazing. A must-visit in London."

Elena R., Italy

★★★★★

"We took the free daily highlights tour and our guide brought the Parthenon Marbles and Assyrian reliefs to life. Highly recommend the guided tour for first-time visitors."

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about visiting the British Museum

Is the British Museum free to visit?
Yes, general admission to the British Museum's permanent collection is completely free. No tickets are required — simply walk in. Special temporary exhibitions typically have ticketed entry, usually priced between £16 and £22. Donations are encouraged, with a suggested contribution of £5.
What are the must-see highlights?
The top highlights include the Rosetta Stone (196 BC), the Parthenon (Elgin) Marbles, Egyptian mummies, the Assyrian lion hunt reliefs, the Sutton Hoo helmet, the Lewis Chessmen, Lindow Man, Hoa Hakananai'a (Easter Island statue), and the Aztec double-headed serpent. The Queen Elizabeth II Great Court is also a must-see architectural marvel.
How do I get to the British Museum?
The museum is at Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. The nearest Tube stations are Tottenham Court Road (Northern, Central, Elizabeth lines), Holborn (Central, Piccadilly lines), and Russell Square (Piccadilly line). Multiple bus routes run along Oxford Street and through Bloomsbury.
How long does a visit take?
Plan at least 2-3 hours for a highlights visit. With 94 galleries and around 80,000 objects on display at any time, you could easily spend a full day or multiple visits. Most visitors spend 3-4 hours exploring the major collections.
Do I need to book in advance?
No advance booking is needed for the permanent collection — just walk in during opening hours. However, timed tickets may be required for popular temporary exhibitions and should be booked online in advance as they often sell out. Check the museum's website for current exhibitions.

Ready to Visit the British Museum?

Plan your visit to one of the world's greatest museums. Free admission, world-class collections, and 2 million years of history await you.

Plan Your Visit