British Museum

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On Saturday 25 April Museum entry will only be available to Members and pre-booked ticket holders, via the Great Russell Street Main entrance. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.
The British Museum
Welcome to the British Museum
Experience cultures across the globe, from the dawn of human history to the present.
Plan your visit
Audio described version
The Great Court at the British Museum.
Explore the Great Court
Discover two million years of human history and culture
Free entry

–
book online
Open today: 10.00–17.00
Last entry: 16.45
Returning to the UK after 1,000 years
The Bayeux Tapestry
. Coming September 2026
.
Exhibitions and events
See all exhibitions and events
Hawaiʻi
a kingdom crossing oceans
. Book now
.
Samurai
. Final weeks
.
Visit the Museum
Plan your visit
Book tickets and plan your day including exhibitions, facilities, access, food and travel.
Museum map
Navigate the Museum with ease, using our floor-by-floor plan and discover what not to miss.
Galleries
Walk through two million years of history and culture across more than 50 galleries.
Family visits
From family facilities to activities and events, discover how to make the most of your day at the Museum.
Become a Member
Enjoy exclusive events, access to exhibitions and the Members' Room, plus discounts in the Museum shops, cafés and restaurants.
Find out more
What's online...
Curators' tour of Samurai
Can't make it to the show during its final weeks? Watch now to enjoy a personal tour of our five-star exhibition led by the curators.
Hawaiian hula: stories in motion
Discover the cultural dance of Hawaiʻi where stories are carried through movement, chant and song from one generation to the next.
Ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses
Learn about the special powers and duties of ancient Egyptian deities and supernatural beings with our colourful A to Z guide.
Microscopic dust detective work
Zoom in on the world of dust at the Museum and get inspired for your own spring cleaning – including our top ten tips for staying dust-free.
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Stay connected to the British Museum for the latest news, stories, exhibitions, events and visitor information.
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UK and the world
Research
Driving the care, display and understanding of the collection, find out about projects, studentships and publications.
Departments
Learn about our research departments, outreach, training, study rooms and access to the collection.
National
Find out how the Museum shares expertise and the collection across more than 250 UK cultural organisations.
International
Loans, research and touring exhibitions are some of the many ways we build ties internationally. See our current collaborations.
Search Collection online
From the Rosetta Stone to Japanese netsuke, discover a wealth of information about Museum objects in our searchable database.
Start your search
Explore the collection
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Egypt
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Desire, love and identity
Read the blog
Animals
See the collection
Americas
See the collection
Death and memory
Read more
Africa
See the collection
Welcome to the British Museum Shop
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Inspired by the Museum
https://www.britishmuseumshoponline.org/inspired-by/inspired-by-the-british-mus…
Inspired by the Lewis Chessmen
https://www.britishmuseumshoponline.org/inspired-by/lewis-chessmen-collection.h…
Inspired by Sutton Hoo
https://www.britishmuseumshoponline.org/inspired-by/sutton-hoo.html
Inspired by London
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Inspired by cats
https://www.britishmuseumshoponline.org/inspired-by/inspired-by-cats.html
Inspired by Hokusai
https://www.britishmuseumshoponline.org/inspired-by/inspired-by-hokusai.html
Inspired by ancient Egypt
https://www.britishmuseumshoponline.org/inspired-by/ancient-egypt.html