5 Reasons to Visit London’s British Museum
Written by nehaThe British Museum has one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of human history and culture. Since it was first set up in 1753, the museum has attracted a number of visitors, but if you’re still on the fence, here are five reasons why you should visit the British Museum.
Free Entry and a Roof on Top – The British Museum is a London stop that is easy on the wallet. Just get there and walk in. It’s as simple as that. All the museum asks is that you leave a small donation if possible. Additionally, the large museum complex comes with a covered roof. This means come rain, wind or snow, you have the perfect hideout till things calm down.
The Exhibits – Obviously. Even if you aren’t a history buff, it’s hard not to come away impressed by the items on display here. The Egyptian, Greek and Roman exhibits alone are worth the visit.
The museum also holds a number of special exhibitions (like the Terracotta Warriors and the Royal Paintings of Jodhpur). These however come with an admission charge and may also require advanced booking.
Photography – I love museums that allow you to take photos, sharing a slice of history (or whatever else is on offer). And the British Museum does just that. In addition to the history, the museum architecture also makes for a great subject, with the museum roof alone taking up most of your camera battery!
People Watching – Sit on the steps of the museum or at the cafes and watch the flow of visitors. It’s a flurry of nationalities and languages, a lot like the museum exhibits. Strike a conversation or be an observer on the sidelines.
Eat & Shop – Eating and shopping at a museum may sound silly, but they are a part of the British Museum experience. A day at the museum, even half a day, can be exhausting. You’ll find yourself in need of a break and refreshments. The cafes allow you to recharge and continue the tour with ease. Additionally the museum’s court restaurant offers something unique – meals based on the special exhibition themes.
The shops too are stocked with pretty, shiny things. Amongst them glossy history books and high quality replicas. The history buff in you will find it hard to turn away empty handed.
Have you visited the British Museum? What about the trip did you enjoy the most?
I love the British Museum and find myself having to choose things not to see in order to spend my day there wisely (otherwise I’d have to commit two days to it.)
It’s been a while, but last time I was there I joined a free 30 minute tour (by a volunteer guide) that really pointed out some details we would have missed otherwise. I’d recommend hunting a tour down for anyone visiting the museum.
The first time I took my daughter, she was 9. I figured I’d get at most an hour total in the Museum. We got to the Elgin/Parthenon Marbles, and the child spent almost two hours reading the plaques, looking at the displays, etc. I was the one who was getting cranky and impatient:)
We always go the the BM our first day in London. Can’t get in the hotel, eyes burning from lack of sleep, but somehow walking in the front entrance and stepping under that amazing roof gets my adrenalin going.
Also, be sure to check out the Reading Room, and see where so many authors wrote and researched!
I’ll never forget the day I saw the Elgin Marbles – they’re so famous, but I’d never even seen pictures, and I’d certainly never imagined they would be *so* big.
I love the British Museum.
Arghh, I’ve been to UK twice and still missed out on visiting the British Museum! :(
The point on ‘Roof on Top’ makes a lot of sense considering the English weather :)
[...] Neha at Europe a la Carte shares five great reasons to visit the British Museum in London (the exhibits are only one [...]
The Elgin marbles were awesome! But after seeing the rest in the new Acropolis museum they definetely dont belong at the British Museum!
I went to the British Museum yesterday to hear a talk about the Lewis Chessmen by one of the curators. It was a fascinating 45 minutes, and really shows one of the museum’s great strengths – you get free access to experts on a whole range of topics. There’s so much there though, that you do have dip in and out – trying to take it all in in one go is a recipe for exhaustion!