The British Museum

Founding and the Great Court

Parliament created the museum in 1753, largely to house the collection Sir Hans Sloane left to the nation, and it opened in Montagu House in 1759. Today you enter into the Queen Elizabeth II Great Court, designed by Foster and Partners with Buro Happold and opened in 2000. Its glass roof covers the largest covered square in Europe.

What to see

With millions of objects, it pays to choose. The Rosetta Stone in the Egyptian Sculpture gallery is the most famous single piece; nearby are the Parthenon sculptures, the Portland Vase and remains of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. For British history, head for the Sutton Hoo grave goods, and don't miss the treasures from the Royal Cemetery at Ur.

Exhibitions and getting there

General entry is free, while major exhibitions are usually ticketed. The Bayeux Tapestry is on loan from France from 10 September 2026 to 11 July 2027, and a Korea exhibition runs until 31 January 2027. The nearest tube stations are Tottenham Court Road, Holborn, Russell Square and Goodge Street, and the museum stays open later on Fridays, which is useful if you want to fit a visit around a busy day of sightseeing.

Highlights

• Free general admission
• Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures
• Great Court, Europe's largest covered square
• Bayeux Tapestry loan, Sept 2026–July 2027
• Founded 1753, opened 1759

Good to know

• General entry is free; some exhibitions need a separate ticket.
• You can book general admission online in advance.
• Nearest tube stations: Tottenham Court Road, Holborn, Russell Square and Goodge Street.
• The museum is open later on Fridays.

Frequently asked questions