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British Museum

  • Museums
  • Bloomsbury
  • price 0 of 4
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
  1. Sarcophagus of Nubkheperre © Britta Jaschinski
    Sarcophagus of Nubkheperre © Britta Jaschinski
  2. Egyptian statues © Britta Jaschinski
    Egyptian statues © Britta Jaschinski
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Time Out says

5 out of 5 stars

London’s busy home for ancient finds and cultural treasures from across the centuries, discovered across the world

When the British Museum was opened in 1759 it was the first national museum to be open to the public anywhere in the world. It was free to visit (and still is) so that any ‘studious and curious persons’ could pass through its doors and look upon the strange objects collected from all over the globe.

Centuries before television, this was a chance for anyone to stand in front of specimens and antiquities and connect with other cultures, ancient and contemporary. The first exhibits consisted of the collection of physician and naturalist Sir Hans Sloane – ancient coins and medals, books and natural remains – and through the centuries since, it has become home to the most significant finds made by British explorers at home and abroad, like the Rosetta Stone from Ancient Egypt and the Parthenon sculpture from the Acropolis in Athens.

In recent years there have been campaigns by other nations who want some of their historic treasures returned. However, the British Museum remains one of the world’s most popular attractions, with six million visitors a year. And although many of its priceless artefacts are protected by glass cases, the museum is anything but a hushed old resting place.

As soon as you walk into the magnificent glass-roofed Great Court you can hear the buzz of students, tourists and Londoners who have just popped in for lunch among the treasures. The British Museum is a working organisation carrying out research and conservation and that’s reflected in the breadth of the collection and the way in which it’s displayed.

The galleries are divided by location and periods in history – Ancient Iran, Greece, China from 5000BC onwards, Roman Britain and so on – and if you’re overwhelmed by the choice, follow one of the free 20-minute spotlight tours led by the guides every Friday, or check one of the free exhibitions dedicated to a specific theme or works of art. There are daily free activities for kids, too, including crafts, activity trails and digital workshops – perfect when there’s a homework project that needs to be fired by inspiration.

Written by
Laura Lee Davies

Details

Address:
44 Great Russell St
London
WC1B 3DG
Transport:
Tube: Tottenham Court Rd/Holborn/Russell Square
Price:
Free (permanent collection); admission charge applies for some temporary exhibitions
Opening hours:
Open daily 10am–5pm, Friday until 8.30pm
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What’s on

‘Legion: Life in the Roman Army’

  • 4 out of 5 stars

Life in the Roman empire was as mundane as life in 2024. ‘Legion’ tells the story of a single Roman soldier, recounting a life of hard work, ambition, disappointment and unreachable goals. Take out all the blood and swords, swap the marching for a commute from Stevenage, and it could be the life of any present day office worker.  Claudius Terentianus had hopes and ambitions. He wanted to be a great legionary in emperor Trajan’s army. But the legion wouldn't have him, so he had to settle for the lowly marines. Once in, he had to scramble for money and social connections to be promoted to the legion, where he found a life of endless marching and battles, surrounded by comrades with their own ambitions to join the cavalry or become a standard bearer. This show is full of stunning symbols of everyday life for Roman soldiers from across the empire. Red wool socks to protect against the rub of hobnailed leather sandals, purses holding a handful of silver coins, dice for gambling, letters home pleading for a new tunic. It’s just the drudgery of normal existence, same in 60AD as it is now. Battles, bloodshed and the spoils of war And amongst all that, symbols of war: gleaming bronze helmets, swords long rusted into their scabbards, a pile of near-fossilised chainmail. A curved cylinder is the only complete long shield in existence, replete with ornate linework and winged victories. It’s jaw dropping.  It wasn’t all blind, faceless obedience though. A crushed silver bust of emperor G

Beyond the Bassline

From Tudor musician John Blanke to the lead singer of The Selector Pauline Black and DJ Nia Archives, The British Library’s ‘Beyond the Bassline’ will be the first major exhibition of its kind to delve into 500 years of Black music in Britain. As well as specific artists, the exhibition will spotllight carnivals, community centres and record shops that have played a vital part in cultivating different Black music genres including The Reno in Manchester, Bristol’s Bamboo Club, Scottish club night The Reggae Klub and The Four Aces in London. Over 200 objects will be on display including letters by 18th-century composer Ignatius Sancho, an outfit worn by jazz singer Patti Flynn in the 1970s, imagery documenting the evolution of grime by acclaimed photographer Simon Wheatley and footage from the MOBO Awards. Expect an evocative journey through jazz, reggae, jungle, afroswing and more. 

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