The British Museum is one of England’s oldest and most renowned museums. Its great exhibits tell the story of mankind’s odyssey all the way from the stone-age to today and draw in thousands of visitors every year. So, if you’re ever taking a tour around London, be sure to visit this treasure trove.
Museum History
The British Museum was established in 1753, which makes it not only England’s but the world’s first public national museum. Initially, it served to showcase the various works and collections of Sir Hans Sloane – a renowned Irish scientist at the time. As the decades progressed, more and more exhibits got added until the museum boasted am extensive array of artefacts, sculptures, and other such antiquities.
The Architecture
Designed by the distinguished neo-classical architect Sir Robert Smirke, the British Museum displays a great amount of Greek influence. The building’s exterior is perhaps its most recognisable aspect, with striking decorations and structures that immediately grab the attention of anyone who visits.
Taking a Tour
If you’re staying in the area, the British Museum is hard to miss as its often mentioned in the itinerary list of most the Bayswater hotel establishments, like the Berjaya Eden Park London Hotel for example. The museum itself will offer guided tours, here an expert will take you from exhibit to exhibit providing you with all the details.
Must-See Attractions
So what exactly are the must-see exhibits at the museums? Well, for starters there are several Egyptian mummies that headline an impressive collection of artefacts from the Nile. You’ll also find an original Easter Island statue at the museum called Hoa Hakananai’a, and then there’s the famous Lewis Chessmen – an ancient chess set carved from whalebone.
