British Museum

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Guides : London,
Geographic : europe, united-kingdom, london,
Thematic : museum, generalist,

The British Museum is one of the oldest museums in Europe. Its creation was made possible by the generous settlement of Sir Sloane, doctor and naturalist, on the British State in 1753. He gave some 80,000 items, an herbarium and a library. In compensation, the British State had to provide the dowry, a large sum of money, for his two daughters that the Parliament gathered by organizing a national lottery. Open to public in 1759, it has never closed its door so far and welcomes 5 million visitors each year. The entrance to the Museum has always been free except for temporary exhibitions for which a participation is generally asked. The present building was constructed between 1852 and 1857 in order to have enough space for the somptuous library of King George III given by his son in 1823. The collection has gathered so far 6 million items from Antiquity until today. The most famous belongings are the Rosetta stone, the Parthenon's friezes or the bust of Pericles. Along the visit, you will notice that the Museum is a real tribute to the British Empire's grandness. As Le Louvre has its pyramid, the British Museum also possess its modern architecture masterpiece. Sir Norman built the Elizabeth II Great Court, a square court covered with a vast glass roof linking together all the buildings and taking the best advantage of the overhead natural lighting. It is the greatest square court in Europe.

British Museum Informations:

British Museum Address: Great Russell Street, London, United-Kingdom
See British Museum on the map
British Museum Phone Number: +44 (0)20 7323 8000
http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk
British Museum Opening time: saturday - wednesday
British Museum Price: Free except exhibitions