The British Museum

“Displaying one of the world's finest collections of antiquities, the British Museum contains more than 13 million artifacts from the ancient world. With priceless objects from Assyria, Babylonia, China, Europe, and elsewhere, it's hard to know where to begin in this expansive attraction. It is both an architectural beauty and a trove of some of the world's most noted antiquities and did I mention- it's free to visit. In fact, all museums are in London. Isn't it great? Fact: I read somewhere (not on WhatsApp), that there is only 1 % artifacts on display in BM, the rest 99% are still kept somewhere... just imagine what a loot it was around the world in the name of colonialism... of course some are gifts, but i am sure the majority of them are looted. I am an Indian, and I saw the whole temple from India is on display (similar to the Parthenon Sculptures), and this is the case in every country. You name it, it's there. From the Rosetta Stone to the Parthenon Sculptures to Mesopotamian objects, the British Museum is a history buff's dream, containing artifacts in the millions. The immense collection can make an initial museum visit seem overwhelming: Pick the exhibits that most interest you, and plan return trips if you feel so inclined My wife is a museum nerd (she has a sticker for that, too). We did not have much time, so we only spent 2-3 hrs and covered the top 10-15 artefacts like My guide book ( if you want to follow) Lower Floor ------------------- The Rosetta Stone (Room 4) Parthenon Sculptures (Room 18) Bust of Ramesses the Great (Room 4) Hoa Hakananai'a [Easter Island Statues] (Room 24) The Ife head (Room 25) Statue of Tara (Room 33) Tang dynasty tomb figures (Room 33) Aztec serpent (Room 27) Upper floors ----------------- Mummy of Katebet (Room 63) Samurai armour (Room 93) Royal Game of Ur (Room 56) Oxus treasure (Room 52) The Sutton Hoo ship burial (Room 41) Lewis Chessmen (Room 40) Others ------------- Mausoleum at Halikarnassos – Room 21. Portland Vase – Room 70. Oxus Treasure – Room 52. Tree of Life – Room 25. Figure of Shiva Nataraja – Room 33. Figure of Buddha – Room 33. Samurai armour and helmet – Room 93. In addition to a well-stocked, on-site bookshop boasting an exhaustive array of titles on ancient history, archaeology and art history, and don't forget to check their Grant Hall and library.”

“The British Museum is one of the most important museums in the world and an essential destination for anyone visiting London. Its collections span thousands of years of human history, representing civilizations from every continent, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Asia. The Mesopotamian galleries are particularly outstanding, with iconic objects such as Assyrian reliefs, cuneiform tablets, and artifacts from ancient Iraq that provide deep insight into the origins of writing, cities, and complex societies. The Egyptian mummies, the Rosetta Stone, and the Parthenon sculptures are equally impressive and well displayed. The museum is well organized, free to enter, and supported by clear signage and informative explanations. The Great Court is an architectural highlight and a perfect place to rest between galleries. Staff are helpful, and the atmosphere is welcoming for researchers, students, families, and general visitors alike. A visit to the British Museum is not just a museum experience, but a journey through human civilization. Highly recommended for anyone interested in history, archaeology, and world heritage.”

“I had 45 mins to spare and as I was just around the corner, and had never been, I decided to pop in. Vast, impressive buildings, a short queue to have bags checked by security. I wandered around the first floor and headed to Europe exhibits - very impressive. They have regular exhibitions which are advertised well inside the building. There are at least two small cafes and one bigger restaurant , all looked good, I didn’t use them though. Plenty of toilets but again can’t comment on the cleanliness etc as didn’t use. The museum was very clean in all areas. Plenty of staff in hand for questions. It was midweek, a Tuesday , at 2pm and was very busy with school children and tourists but I didn’t feel crowded. I hope to return again on a specific visit do the day.”

“It would take weeks, if not months, if not years to fully ingest the insane number of treasures of human culture found in the British Museum—spending a few hours here is a good way to start. Like all the great British museums this one is also free, an astonishing public benefit unique to this country. Along with the National Gallery, the V&A, and the Tate Modern/Tate Britain, visiting this collection is an indispensable experience while in London, and rewards repeated returns. Pick a section and do a deep dive or just wander aimlessly through room after room—always a worthwhile adventure.”