Explore the British Museum
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Navigating The British Museum : Answers to common questions

  • Admission Fee: Free entry to the permanent collection; charges may apply for special exhibitions.
  • How Long to Visit: Visitors can spend anywhere from a few hours to a full day.
  • Washrooms: Accessible washrooms and baby-changing facilities available.
  • Hours of Operation: Typically open daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, with extended hours on Fridays.
  • Important Information: Large bags and suitcases may not be allowed; security checks in place at the entrance.
  • Handicap Accessible: Fully accessible with ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets.
  • Pets: Only service animals are permitted.
  • Guided Tours: Various guided tours available, including highlights and special exhibitions.
  • Restaurant or Cafe: Multiple dining options within the museum, including a café and a restaurant.
  • Gift Shop: Several gift shops available, offering a range of books, replicas, and souvenirs.
  • Parking: No on-site parking available. Nearby public parking options are limited.
  • Family Friendly: Offers activities and exhibits suitable for children and families.
  • Photography: Allowed for personal use, but restrictions apply to flash, tripods, and specific exhibits.
  • WIFI: Free WIFI available throughout the museum.
  • Picnic Area: No designated picnic areas inside, but the museum is close to several public gardens.

    Please note all times and prices subject to change. Please check the offical website for details.

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    Map for The British Museum

    Did You Know?

    The museum houses The Rosetta Stone, key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs.

    The museum's Reading Room was famously used by Karl Marx, Oscar Wilde, and Mahatma Gandhi.

    The British Museum has a permanent collection of about 8 million works, one of The largest and most comprehensive in existence.

    The British Museum's collection spans over two million years of human history and culture.

    The British Museum was established in 1753, making it one of The oldest museums in The world.

    Travel Information for
    London Visitors

    Time Zone: London operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during winter and British Summer Time (BST), which is GMT+1, during summer months.

    Weather: London has a temperate maritime climate. Summers are generally warm with average highs around 23°C (73°F), while winters are cold with temperatures often near 5°C (41°F). Rain is distributed throughout the year, but London is not as rainy as its reputation suggests.

    Population: London has a population of about 9 million people, making it the largest city in the United Kingdom and one of the largest in Europe.

    Size: The city covers an area of approximately 1,572 square kilometers (607 square miles). London is known for its sprawling urban layout.

    Language: English is the official language. Due to its diversity, many other languages are also spoken throughout the city.

    Currency: The currency used in London is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always useful to have some cash, especially for smaller shops or markets.

    Safety: London is generally safe for tourists, but, as in any major city, it's wise to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

    Tipping: In restaurants, it's customary to leave a tip of 10-15% of the bill if a service charge is not included. Tipping is also common for taxis and hotel services.

    Electricity and Plugs: The UK uses Type G plugs, and the standard voltage is 230 V with a standard frequency of 50 Hz. Travelers from countries with different standards will need adapters.

    Water: Tap water in London is safe to drink.

    Verified & Trusted Contact Information for The British Museum

    Address:

    London WC1B 3BP, United Kingdom

    Latitude: 51.51957

    Longitude: -0.12697

    More Places and Things To Do in London Within 500 km/300 mi of The British Museum

    Covent Garden


    The Distance from The British Museum to Covent Garden is 0.7 KM / 0.4 MI

    The National Portrait Gallery


    The Distance from The British Museum to The National Portrait Gallery is 1.1 KM / 0.7 MI

    The British Library


    The Distance from The British Museum to The British Library is 1.2 KM / 0.7 MI

    Trafalgar Square


    The Distance from The British Museum to Trafalgar Square is 1.3 KM / 0.8 MI

    The Thames Path


    The Distance from The British Museum to The Thames Path is 1.4 KM / 0.8 MI

    The West End Theatre District


    The Distance from The British Museum to The West End Theatre District is 1.4 KM / 0.9 MI

    The London Eye


    The Distance from The British Museum to The London Eye is 1.9 KM / 1.2 MI

    Madame Tussauds London


    The Distance from The British Museum to Madame Tussauds London is 1.9 KM / 1.2 MI

    The Churchill War Rooms


    The Distance from The British Museum to The Churchill War Rooms is 1.9 KM / 1.2 MI

    St. Paul's Cathedral


    The Distance from The British Museum to St. Paul's Cathedral is 2.1 KM / 1.3 MI

    Big Ben


    The Distance from The British Museum to Big Ben is 2.1 KM / 1.3 MI

    The Barbican Centre


    The Distance from The British Museum to The Barbican Centre is 2.2 KM / 1.4 MI

    Westminster Abbey


    The Distance from The British Museum to Westminster Abbey is 2.2 KM / 1.4 MI

    Houses of Parliament


    The Distance from The British Museum to Houses of Parliament is 2.2 KM / 1.4 MI

    Buckingham Palace


    The Distance from The British Museum to Buckingham Palace is 2.3 KM / 1.4 MI

    Camden Market


    The Distance from The British Museum to Camden Market is 2.3 KM / 1.4 MI

    The Tate Modern


    The Distance from The British Museum to The Tate Modern is 2.3 KM / 1.5 MI

    Shakespeare's Globe Theatre


    The Distance from The British Museum to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is 2.4 KM / 1.5 MI

    The Imperial War Museum


    The Distance from The British Museum to The Imperial War Museum is 2.9 KM / 1.8 MI

    The Tate Britain


    The Distance from The British Museum to The Tate Britain is 3.2 KM / 2 MI

    The Shard


    The Distance from The British Museum to The Shard is 3.3 KM / 2 MI

    Harrods


    The Distance from The British Museum to Harrods is 3.4 KM / 2.1 MI

    Tower Bridge


    The Distance from The British Museum to Tower Bridge is 3.9 KM / 2.4 MI

    Royal Albert Hall


    The Distance from The British Museum to Royal Albert Hall is 4.1 KM / 2.5 MI

    Kensington Palace


    The Distance from The British Museum to Kensington Palace is 4.5 KM / 2.8 MI

    The O2 Arena


    The Distance from The British Museum to The O2 Arena is 9.2 KM / 5.7 MI

    Visit the Royal Observatory in Greenwich


    The Distance from The British Museum to Visit the Royal Observatory in Greenwich is 10 KM / 6.2 MI

    The Royal Botanic Gardens


    The Distance from The British Museum to The Royal Botanic Gardens is 12.7 KM / 7.9 MI

    The Notting Hill Carnival


    The Distance from The British Museum to The Notting Hill Carnival is 23.3 KM / 14.4 MI