British Museum - London
Oh, the British Museum! No one can deny that one of the world's most exciting museums is in London. From having scholars and scientists, to the enthusiastic wanderers, to the tourist hopping on the bandwagon, it is a one-stop destination to quench your curiosity about the history of humankind. And its collection is something to behold. Let's take a look at the ten fascinating facts and figures about the British Museum.
The British Museum is the largest and oldest archaeological museum globally, founded in 1753. It is home to eight million art and artifact pieces spanning back two million years. With this collection, the Museum has been successful in throwing light on the roots and nature of human civilization.
The Museum's most famous beholders are the Egyptian mummies. The ancient Egyptians used to preserve their dead, and their mummies are on display in the museum. The mummies were wrapped in linen bandages and placed in coffins decorated with paintings and inscriptions. The Museum houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts outside Egypt.
The British Museum was first housed in Montagu House, Bloomsbury. However, it was not the Museum's permanent home. It moved several times before settling at this current location in 1823. Two architects Robert Smirke and Sydney Smirke designed the neoclassical building.
The British Museum's Reading Room was opened in 1857, and it took nine years to complete. It was specifically built to house the Museum's extensive library, which was separated due to space constraints. The Reading Room was open to the public until its closure in 1999, when it was moved to the adjacent British Library.
Do you know the Parthenon sculptures? They are 2,500-year-old marble sculptures that were originally on the Parthenon temple in Athens. Greece and the British Museum have been in a long-standing dispute over the Parthenon Marbles, which are split between the two museums. Greece wants them sent back, which the British Museum has refused.
Perhaps the oddest piece housed in the British Museum is the Rosetta Stone. It is a slab of black granite discovered by soldiers of Napoleon Bonaparte in Egypt in 1799. It has inscriptions of a decree issued by King Ptolemy V Epiphanes in three scripts: Ancient Greek, hieroglyphs, and demotic. Scholars used the inscriptions to translate hieroglyphs, helping us understand the lives of the ancient Egyptians.
The British Museum is free to visit. Yes, you heard that right. Apart from special exhibitions, the Museum has no admission fee. Donations are always welcome to help maintain the museum and its fantastic collection.
Every year, thousands of objects are added to the Museum's collection. From Roman artifacts to contemporary art objects, the Museum keeps acquiring pieces through donations, purchases, and excavations.
The British Museum has a Conservation and Scientific Research department, a crucial aspect of the Museum's operations. Its experts help maintain pieces, conserve them, and also carry out scientific research. The team's primary objective is to preserve the museum's collection for future generations.
History and Address
The British Museum's location is Montagu House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. The museum's original collection was the donation of Sir Hans Sloane, an 18th-century doctor and collector. The collection was moved to Montagu House in 1757, and the British Museum was born. The current building represents the museum's architectural heritage over the centuries.
The British Museum is one of London's most visited attractions, and with good reason. The Museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Fridays, it remains open until 8:30 pm. Visitors can stroll freely through the galleries without any admission fee.
FAQ
Q: Are bags allowed in the British Museum?
A: Yes, bags are allowed, but oversized bags and suitcases are not allowed and must be checked in at the main hall.
Q: How many floors does the British Museum have?
A: The British Museum has a total of six floors, each containing impressive art and artifacts.
Q: Are photography and filming allowed?
A: Yes, you can use your camera to take photographs and film. However, there are specific rules on using tripods and other professional equipment, so it is advisable to check with the information desk at the Museum.
Q: Can I eat or drink inside the Museum?
A: The Museum has several cafeterias and restaurants that serve food and drinks. Visitors are not allowed to eat and drink in the galleries.
Q: What is the nearest Underground Station to the British Museum?
A: The nearest Tube station to the British Museum is the Tottenham Court Road station, which is on the Central and Northern Lines.
The British Museum is a world-class museum, with a fascinating collection of art and artifact pieces that span centuries. It is home to remarkable pieces of the human story that serve as a reminder of how far we have come. The Museum is not just for scholars; its open doors welcome all who want to quench their curiosity. If you are ever in London, the British Museum should be at the top of your list of places to visit. It's a stunning piece of cultural heritage that you don't want to miss.
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