The British Museum

The oldest museum in the world, The British Museum was established in 1753 and was based largely on the collections of the noted physician, scientist and collector Sir Hans Sloane. His work in the field of botany, and especially his study of chemistry at the Apothecaries Hall in London, laid the groundwork for what would be the core the early museum’s collection.

The British Museum is home to over seven million objects from all continents illustrating and documenting the story of human culture from its beginning to the present. Many of the artifacts are stored underneath the museum due to lack of space. Though it principally became a museum of cultural art objects and antiquities, The British Museum was founded as a 'universal museum'.

After its foundation The British Museum received several gifts, including ancient relics and antiquities. From Roman and Greek artifacts to an extensive collection of Egyptian sculptures. Amongst its more notable acquisitions were the Rosetta Stone and the infamous Elgin Marbles.

The Queen Elizabeth II Great Court is a covered square at the centre of The British Museum designed by the architects Foster and Partners. The roof is a glass and steel construction with 1,656 pairs of uniquely shaped glass panes.

The British Museum can be found in The City.