British Museum Opening Hours

Plan your visit with the latest opening times and schedule

Opening Hours & Schedule

The British Museum is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 (last entry 15:30 for some galleries). On Fridays, selected galleries stay open until 20:30 during the Friday late programme.

Weekly schedule:

    • Monday: 10:00 — 17:00
    • Tuesday: 10:00 — 17:00
    • Wednesday: 10:00 — 17:00
    • Thursday: 10:00 — 17:00
    • Friday: 10:00 — 20:30 (selected galleries)
    • Saturday: 10:00 — 17:00
    • Sunday: 10:00 — 17:00

Closures: The museum is closed on 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January.

Important: Galleries begin to close approximately 10 minutes before the museum's closing time. The Great Court may remain open later than the galleries. Individual galleries may occasionally close for maintenance or installation — check the website for the latest information.

Opening Hours FAQ

Common questions about British Museum opening times

Is the British Museum open every day?
Yes, the British Museum is open every day of the year except 24-26 December and 1 January. Unlike many major museums, it does not have a weekly closing day. Regular hours are 10:00 to 17:00 daily, with Friday late opening until 20:30 for selected galleries.
What is the Friday late opening?
On Fridays, selected galleries remain open until 20:30. This is a wonderful time to visit as the museum is generally much quieter in the evening. Not all galleries stay open late — check the museum's website for details on which galleries participate in the Friday late programme.
Is the British Museum open on public holidays?
The British Museum is open on most public holidays with regular hours (10:00-17:00). The only closures are 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January. On all other bank holidays — including Easter, May bank holidays, and the August bank holiday — the museum is open as normal.
How early should I arrive?
We recommend arriving at opening time (10:00) for the quietest experience, especially on weekends and during school holidays. There may be a short queue for the bag search at the entrance, but it moves quickly. If visiting on a Friday evening, arrive around 17:00-18:00 when most daytime visitors are leaving.

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