As one of the world’s greatest museums, the British Museum is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts from around the globe. With its vast collection of Egyptian, Assyrian, Greek, and Roman art and antiquities, this iconic institution is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and archaeology.
Exploring the Egyptian Sculpture Room
Our journey begins in the museum’s Egyptian sculpture room, located on the first floor. This themed room showcases some of the most exquisite examples of ancient Egyptian art, including the Rosetta Stele, a monumental stone slab inscribed with hieroglyphs that allowed scholars to decipher the language for the first time.
The centerpiece of the room is an enormous bust of Ramses II, one of the most famous pharaohs of ancient Egypt. This imposing figure stands over 3 meters tall and is a testament to the grandeur of Egyptian art and architecture. Room 4 also hosts a massive head of Amenofi III, made from granite, which is one of the few surviving sculptures of the pharaoh.
Assyrian Artifacts: A Window into Mesopotamian Culture
Next, we visit Room 6, which houses Assyrian artifacts, including two colossal lion statues with human faces that encircle the remains of the Cancelling of Balawat, an ancient city in Mesopotamia. These imposing lions are a remarkable example of Assyrian art and craftsmanship, showcasing their mastery of metalwork and sculpture.
The Black Obelisk of Salmanassar III is another highlight of this room, depicting the first historical representation of a king from Israel or King Jehu. This obelisk is an important artifact that highlights the complex cultural exchange between ancient civilizations.
Mausoleum of Halicarnassus: A Marvel of Ancient Engineering
The magnificent tomb of Mausolus in Halicarnassus, modern-day Turkey, was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This grand structure was built to commemorate the death of Mausolus, a Persian satrap, and its beauty and engineering prowess have made it an iconic example of ancient Greek architecture.
The British Museum hosts a partial reconstruction of this mausoleum in Room 8, which is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of ancient civilizations. This reconstructed monument is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient history and culture.
Greek Sculpture: A Testament to Ancient Athenian Art
Of the 13 rooms dedicated to ancient Greece, Room 9 is a standout, housing a group sculpture of marble from the Parthenon, the symbol of Athens’ Acropolis. This exquisite piece showcases the artistic mastery of ancient Greek sculptors, who were renowned for their ability to capture the human form in all its beauty and complexity.
Moai Hoa Hakananai’a Statue: A Monolithic Wonder
One of the most famous statues from Easter Island is on display at the British Museum, located in Room 24. This monolithic statue represents a human bust with very pronounced facial features and was brought to Britain by Captain Richard Powell of the Royal Navy as part of Queen Victoria’s will.
Mask of Tezcatlipoca: A Rare Peculiarity
The conserved mask of the British Museum is a rare peculiarity, featuring a mosaic of turquoise, lignite, and mother-of-pearl on a real human skull. This unique artifact showcases the artistic skill and creativity of ancient Mesoamerican cultures.
Egyptian Mummies and Sarcophagi: A Glimpse into Ancient Burial Practices
From Room 61 to 64 on the first floor, we can admire the collection of Egyptian artifacts related to mummification and the worship of life after death. In particular, Room 64 holds Ginger, the oldest Egyptian mummy ever found, dating back to the Predynastic Period.
Chess of Lewis: A Medieval Marvel
The British Museum collects most of the Chess of Lewis, a medieval chess set composed of 93 pieces, in Room 40 on the first floor. This ancient game is an important artifact that highlights the intellectual and cultural achievements of medieval Europe.
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Treasure of Oxus: A Testament to Ancient Persian Artistry
The Treasure of Oxus is a collection of around 180 objects made of gold and silver, taking its name from the river where it was found. This treasure trove showcases the artistic skill and craftsmanship of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, including statues, spangles, and golden votive plaques.
Samurai Armors: A Window into Japanese Culture
The British Museum has the most comprehensive Japanese collection in Europe, accessible from the first floor in Room 93. Among these artifacts is a group of samurai armor dating back to the 18th century, acquired by the museum only in 2018 as part of its renovation.
Orari e Prezzi: Opening Hours and Admission
The British Museum is open every day from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, excluding January 1st, December 24, 25, and 26. The cost of entry is free for visitors of all ages, except for temporary exhibitions, whose prices vary depending on the event.
Useful Tips for Visiting
- Arrive early to beat the crowds.
- Buy a city card if you’re interested in visiting other museums or attractions in London.
- Be mindful of restrictions: it’s allowed to take photos almost everywhere, but using tripods is prohibited.
Minimum Time Recommended: At Least Two Hours
Consider at least two hours for a visit, and ideally four hours. Given the museum’s free admission, you can split the visit into two days if needed.
Location and How to Get There
The British Museum is accessible on foot from the center of London in just 18 minutes (1 km) by walking along St Martin’s LN. By bus, take the stop Trafalgar Square (Stop D), which will bring you to the destination in about 18 minutes. The nearest stations are Tottenham Court Road (500m), Holborn (500m), Russell Square (800m), and Goodge Street (800m).
Historical Notes and Curiosities
The British Museum was born in 1753 from the private collection of Sir Hans Sloane, who gathered up to 71,000 objects before his death. The king united two libraries (the Cottonian Library and the Harleian library) containing valuable books, which today are housed in the British Library, thus creating the first free national museum for the public since 1810.
Unfortunately, these last ones have been the subject of controversy: it is believed that some of the pieces on display were taken unfairly from their country of origin, and that the process of acquisition was not always legitimate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What are the opening hours of the British Museum?
A: The museum is open every day from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, excluding January 1st, December 24, 25, and 26. - Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, admission is free for visitors of all ages, except for temporary exhibitions. - Q: How long should I plan my visit?
A: Consider at least two hours for a visit, and ideally four hours. - Q: Can I take photos inside the museum?
A: Yes, it’s allowed to take photos almost everywhere, but using tripods is prohibited. - Q: Is there a dress code in the museum?
A: No, there is no dress code in the museum. - Q: Can I bring food and drinks into the museum?
A: No, eating and drinking are not allowed inside the museum, except for snacks and bottled water. - Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours are available in various languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. - Q: Can I book a special exhibition ticket?
A: Yes, you can book a special exhibition ticket on the museum’s website or at the museum entrance.
We hope this article has inspired you to visit the British Museum and discover the ancient wonders that lie within its walls. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or archaeology, there’s something for everyone at this incredible institution.
