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Visually the most impressive of all the London Museums, a huge neo-classical building with an exterior consisting of a series of enormous and most magnificent pillars.

The British Museum was founded in 1753 to promote understanding through the arts, natural history and science in a public museum. Housed in 94 galleries spanning two and a half miles, the collection is indeed vast with well over 4 million exhibits.

Thanks to the British habit of globe trotting in earlier centuries, and returning with priceless treasures from all parts of the world, this amazing and eclectic collection was put together.

You could spend days there just viewing the incredible array of Greek, Roman and Egyptian antiquities alone - including the famous Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon in Athens. There are also stunning treasures from China, Japan, India and Mesopotamia as well as Anglo-Saxon and Roman Britain.

What will happen when more countries start asking for the return of what should never have been taken, you can only guess at! In the meantime take advantage of the present.

Many other curios are housed here including a collection of prints and drawings so huge only a tiny fraction can ever be put on display at one time.

Admission to the British Museum is free, but there may be charges for some of the special exhibitions.Disabled Access
Wheel chair access from the main entrance in Great Russell Street and north entrance at Montague Place. Wheelchairs are available at both entrances, free of charge. Limited parking for disabled users only is available in the Museum's forecourt. This can be arranged by telephoning the Information Desk on 0207 323 8299; Please have your vehicle details ready. Guide and companion dogs are welcome.

If you are thinking of visiting the British Museum, why not purchase a London Pass which will admit you to this and many other London attractions for a single payment; it also includes travel by public transport within the London area on buses, tubes and trains, zones 1 - 6. For details on the London Pass and a list of attractions that it covers, click here.

Opening Times
Sat - Wed: 10:00 - 17:30
Thur - Fri: 10:00 - 20:30

Nearest Underground (Tube) Station: Tottenham Court Road