Are you a history buff who loves to explore the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the United Kingdom? If yes, then the United Kingdom National Museum should be on top of your must-visit places. Founded in 1753, the British Museum is one of the world’s oldest and most famous museums. It is home to over eight million cultural artifacts and specimens that offer an unparalleled insight into the history, culture, and achievements of the human race. In this article, we will explore the British Museum, its collections, and its contribution to the world of art and culture and as a repository of all the important events of UK’s history.
History of the United Kingdom National Museum
The British Museum was founded in 1753 by an act of parliament, which aimed to provide a public space for the study of natural history, antiquities, and other cultural artifacts. The museum initially housed the collection of Sir Hans Sloane, a physician, and naturalist who had amassed a vast collection of natural history specimens, books, and manuscripts during his lifetime. Over the years, the museum grew in size and importance, acquiring collections from all over the world, including the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and the Parthenon sculptures.
Collections at the United Kingdom National Museum
The British Museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts and specimens from all over the world. The museum’s collection is divided into various departments, including Egyptian antiquities, Greek and Roman antiquities, prehistory and Europe, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, prints and drawings, coins and medals, and the Middle East. Each department houses a unique collection of artifacts and specimens that offer an unparalleled insight into the culture, history, and achievements of various civilizations and societies in addition to the UK’s own.
Egyptian Antiquities
The Egyptian antiquities collection at the British Museum is one of the most extensive and important in the world. It contains over 100,000 artifacts, including mummies, sarcophagi, statues, and hieroglyphs that offer a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. The collection includes the famous Rosetta Stone, which helped scholars decipher the hieroglyphs, and the mummy of Ramses II, one of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs.
Greek and Roman Antiquities
The Greek and Roman antiquities collection at the British Museum is equally impressive, containing over 100,000 artifacts that offer a glimpse into the life and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. The collection includes the famous Elgin Marbles, a collection of marble sculptures that once adorned the Parthenon in Athens, and the Portland Vase, a rare example of Roman glassware.
Prehistory and Europe
The prehistory and Europe collection at the British Museum contains artifacts and specimens that cover the entire history of Europe, from the Stone Age to the present day. The collection includes the famous Sutton Hoo treasure, a collection of Anglo-Saxon artifacts discovered in Suffolk, and the Lewis Chessmen, a collection of 12th-century chess pieces discovered in Scotland.
Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
The Africa, Oceania, and the Americas collection at the British Museum contains artifacts and specimens from various indigenous cultures and societies from around the world. The collection includes the famous Easter Island statues, the Benin bronzes, and the Aztec turquoise mosaics.
Prints and Drawings
The prints and drawings collection at the British Museum contains over two million prints and drawings from all over the world. The collection includes works by famous artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Rembrandt.
Coins and Medals
The coins and medals collection at the British Museum contains over a million coins and medals from all over the world. The collection includes the famous Anglo-Saxon
Middle East
The Middle East collection at the British Museum contains artifacts and specimens from the Middle East, including the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Persia, and Islamic art. The collection includes the famous Cyrus Cylinder, a clay cylinder that dates back to the 6th century BC and is considered one of the world’s first human rights charters.
Exhibitions and Events at the British Museum
The British Museum regularly hosts exhibitions and events that showcase various collections and artifacts. These exhibitions offer visitors a chance to explore the history and culture of different civilizations and societies. Students of UK’s history can find these exhibitions very informative. Some of the upcoming exhibitions at the museum include “Arctic: Culture and Climate” and “Nero: The Man Behind the Myth.”
Visitor Information
The British Museum is open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm and is closed on December 24-26 and January 1. Admission to the museum is free, although some special exhibitions may have an admission fee. The museum is wheelchair accessible, and audio guides are available in various languages.
Conclusion
The British Museum is a treasure trove of history and culture, offering visitors a chance to explore the world’s diverse civilizations and societies along with the UK’s own rich history. With its vast collection of artifacts and specimens, the museum provides an unparalleled insight into the human race’s achievements and struggles. Whether you are a history buff or just looking for a fascinating day out, the British Museum is a must-visit destination.
FAQs
- What is the British Museum famous for?
The British Museum is famous for its vast collection of cultural artifacts and specimens from all over the world, including the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and the Parthenon sculptures.
- Is admission to the British Museum free?
Yes, admission to the British Museum is free, although some special exhibitions may have an admission fee.
- What are some of the upcoming exhibitions at the British Museum?
Some of the upcoming exhibitions at the British Museum include “Arctic: Culture and Climate” and “Nero: The Man Behind the Myth.”
- Is the British Museum accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the British Museum is wheelchair accessible, and audio guides are available in various languages.
- What are the opening hours of the British Museum?
The British Museum is open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm and is closed on December 24-26 and January 1.
References
- “About the British Museum.” British Museum. https://www.britishmuseum.org/about-us/about-british-museum.
- “Explore the Collection.” British Museum. https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection.
- “Middle East.” British Museum. https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/galleries/middle-east.