London, United Kingdom

Summary of British Museum

photo by gusto

British Museum

Great Russell Street
London, United Kingdom WC1B 3DG
020-7323-8299

www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk

To enter the British Museum is to come from the grime and grind of modern day life into the gleaming light of antiquity – almost literally. The Great Court, formally a windy courtyard, has been refaced with Portland stone and roofed with glass to become a vast cathedral-sized space, full of the noisy chatter of excited school parties. The famous Reading Room is now center stage, rising like a tower in the middle of the court, with a stylish balcony restaurant clinging to its back, and rather stylish toilets under its foundations. The British Museum’s collection is vast, covering prehistoric treasures, ancient antiquities and delightful discoveries from all around the globe. The Egyptian Hall is always busy, especially around the Rosetta Stone, the discovery of which unlocked the secrets of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Giant statues of pharaohs and giant friezes of Persian rules gaze down and no doubt admire your scholarly scrutiny. Best of all are the top 10 British treasures, which include the astounding gold Viking helmet from the Sutton Hoo ship burial, the Lewis chessmen and the battered but still impressive Rillaton gold cup. Most miraculous of all are the Vindolanda tablets, unique written records of Roman life on Hadrian’s Wall, their priceless information preserved by the tablets being thrown away into a rubbish pit full of sticky mud.

Reviews

If you get the chance.. COME HERE!

Reviewed by sheisthexdreamer on September 06, 2008

sheisthexdreamer's rating:

"The British Museum is very cool. Even if you don't really like history it still blows you away. You don't have to understand the history, just to see the stuff is awesome. I didn't have much time there and missed a lot but I hope to go back someday."

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My favorite museum in London

Reviewed by miamizkitten on January 15, 2008

miamizkitten's rating:

"I've been to quite a few of the museums in London. This is one of the last ones I've been able to visit. I had to spend nearly the entire day there to enjoy all that this place has to offer. You find fantastic pieces from all over the world. One of my favorites has to be a statue from Easter Island. Granted, I am a huge history buff but even if your not, give this place a shot. The only downside that I could add, is that all the exhibits weren't open. I went during Christmas break this past December 2007. Either way I definitely plan on visiting here again."

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An amazing surprise

Reviewed by wendib2 on August 31, 2007

wendib2's rating:

"I visited the British Museum when I had some extra time between meetings and only because it was nearby...I was so glad I did. I was amazed by all of the artifacts and the sheer size of the place. I ended up spending hours wandering around. I went on a Sunday afternoon and it was extremely packed, though. It may be worth it to try for a weekday and hope the crowds smaller to get allow for more comfortable meandering."

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Amazing

Reviewed by BrideOfBritBoy on February 17, 2007

BrideOfBritBoy's rating:

"One of the best museums ever! The British Museum has pieces from all over the world spanning the Earth’s entire history. Large and complete, it’s not too overwhelming – and the free admission (donations requested,) makes it well worth ducking in to for even just a short visit."

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Lots of historical stuff!

Reviewed by m8888888 on February 14, 2007

m8888888's rating:

"I’m not too into history, but there were so many famous things that were amazing to see in person, like the Rosetta Stone! They’ve got a great collection of Roman and Egyptian stuff, and plenty of everything else! It was a bit overwhelming, but definitely worth a visit! The new-ish part inside, with the big rotunda thing (I’m not sure what it’s called!), and the criss-crossing glass ceiling is BEAUTIFUL! That was actually my favorite part of the museum when they unveiled it! Just fabulous!"

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British Museum

Reviewed by dgdarien on February 01, 2007

dgdarien's rating:

"If you’re into museums and you happen to be in London, definitely do not miss the British Museum. Its a big museum but not too overwhelming like maybe the Louve in Paris. And if memory serves me, its a free admission! Definitely a lot of interesting pieces in this museum."

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Amazing Antiquities!

Reviewed by ccahoon on February 01, 2007

ccahoon's rating:

"The British Museum is full of beautiful antiquities from Greece, Rome, Egypt. You can have your very own cradle of civilization/western civ geek attack in there. It really brings home British colonialism but it’s a fasinating place."

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