The British Museum

sheilaellen

28th May 2009

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Dull.

tristan

Rainy Day Lunchtime Escape 26th January 2009

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I used to go here during the week, during lunchtime. I'd normally bring a packed lunch or pick something to eat from outside the museum and sit in the Atrium on the long shared tables. Then pick one room to explore, sometimes just gravitating to a single artifact for while. Each day I came back, I'd discover another room. Another secret.

It's a place to be savored slowly over repeat visits. There are so many distinct flavors. And it's free.

Hmm

Go for the mummies 14th November 2008

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Can't say that I have seen the whole museum, but the mummies are great.

Navajo_Pete

always a treat and always something new 17th October 2008

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It is hard not to be impressed when you approach the BM. The large courtyard and the high metal railings with magnificent golden spikes give you a taste of what to expect inside. The main entrance is very grand and perhaps a little foreboding, if you've not visited before.

The main focal point nowadays is the Great Court with the Reading Room. Since the British Library moved out and the court itself was covered over with a huge, curved honeycomb glass roof, a wonderful new space has been created. Very bright and spacious, this is a great place to have a chocolate muffin and fresh cup of coffee, before setting off for one of the many galleries in the rest of the building.

I have always found the Assyrian galleries very impressive - it's amazing to be so close to such old and sophisticated artefacts. When visiting with the children, we always get dragged into the Egyptian rooms, next door.

The BM is actually quite a child-friendly place. Many of the exhibits are visible to them and many of the more recent displays are designed with them in mind. Lots of activity packs are available (usually free) and there are different trails that take young visitors through the BM in a structured way. One place they are bound to get stuck in for a while is the gift shop, where there is a special children's section with puzzles, games, books and the usual notepads and pens.

The main bookshop is a treasure trove of relevant books on just about every subject represented in the BM. Particularly useful is the large collection of post cards and prints.

However many times you visit the BM, there is always something new, as collections rotate and special exhibitions are arranged from time to time. The museum itself is still completely free, although you will have every opportunity to make a donation when entering or leaving. The only exceptions are the special exhibitions and some of the (guided) tours.

This is such a wonderful and impressive place to spend an afternoon that it's hard not to be excited by it. Even if you're not a 'museum person', the BM really is a MUST!

watermelon90

British museum 2nd October 2008

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The british museum is a winner, with so much to see, from the wonderful sculptures to the world famous and disputed elgin marbles, it is a great place to spend a day. You often see artists with their sketch books out which is charming. The eygptian galleries are incredible. In fact it made me wonder what is still left in eygpt, the huge carved marble and granite animals and statues are a must see.
The world famous rossetta stone is housed here too without it we would have not been able to understand hieroglyphs. The mummy section is interesting but not for youngsters really. There are sitting and eating areas where you can unwind for a while, but again, make sure you have comfy shoes as there is a lot to see.

PinkPink

The British Museum 12th September 2008

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The first time I went here, I was about 12. We literally spent most of our day out in London here as my father couldn't get enough of the British Museum. For me, it houses something for everybody, whether you want to look at relics from the Roman empire or a kid fascinated with Egyptian mummies as I was.

Most of the objects on display have been preserved very well, and each have interesting descriptions next to them displaying things like the period of the object. I have been twice in my life, but will definitely try and go again. I personally don't believe that it is possible to see everything throughly in one day and several outings are necessary.

It is delightful to see many treasures from different countries all gathered together, although some will argue that many are stolen goods that should have been returned a long time ago, a view I did take, but on reflection, bringing together such a fabulous collection has made it possible for people to view the national treasures of several countries with ease, and it has helped to promote interest and understanding, which is important.

I have to agree with the other reviewer, unfortunately some of the visitors of to the museum don't respect the museum as they should do, which is a real shame. It isn't very pleasant for other visitors either. I daresay many younger visitors may have just been dragged along by parents.

Artemidor

people 4th September 2008

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Enjoy the British Museum when it is empty. I love being there, because the ancient part is a feast for the eyes. Where else could you see Egyptian pharaohs, the doors of Mesopotamia and the Parthenon? The eyes of Ramesses II look at you and you suddently feel so tiny and unimportant. It is a very humbling experience.

The worst part: kids and uninterested tourists hanging around. They touch everything (including 2000 years old pieces) and bother other people. My complain is that the staff at the museum does not show them the way out as often as they should. But it is free, and we have to accept others.

keshnik

Hadrian The Emperor Exhibition 3rd September 2008

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My wife and I went to the British Museum to see the exhibition of Hadrian, the Great Roman Emperor. This is sponsored by BP and is currently on. The exhibition is excellent and the facilities at British Museum is very good indeed. Right from seeing the Museum from outside and its Victorian architecture, all the way to the writings about the exhibition was just great. I learnt a lot more about Hadrian at the exhibition than I ever would have from just reading up about the subject. Although they say the exhibition can be seen in about 30 minutes, I would say give yourself at least a hour due to the sheer wealth of artifacts and exhibits to see. The best, in my opinion, is the model of his mansion - i was awestruck with its size.

simonlarois

The British Museum is rather good! 3rd September 2008

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If you are looking for an experience to wow your kids, this is the place to go.

The amazing thing we have in Britain is the right to free access of our museums – a window to human culture, albeit still bearing a little of the taint of our Imperial past.

On a less cynical note, the British Museum is a real carnival of colour and culture. There is a wide range of exhibits, covering the wide range of human experience from East to West. The exhibits change regularly and there are always new surprises to be found. It’s impossible to see it all in one go, so if you’ve only been once, go again!

codam

THE museum to visit 31st August 2008

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The British museum is in my opinion the best museum in London. Located in Great Russell Street, this huge building is hard to miss. Its collections are equally unmissable. The best are undoubtedly the ancient works – the Elgin marbles, brought from the Acropolis in Athens by Lord Elgin, and now housed here, are certainly one of the main attractions. But there’s also the incredible Egyptian section, not to mention every possible section you could imagine. You could spend days here, there is so much to see. The non permanent exhibitions are also fantastic – the current Hadrian one is one of its best!