The British Museum: A must to see when you stop in London

The British Museum: A must to see when you stop in London

Photo by Nicolas Lysandrou on Unsplash

The British Museum, located in London, is one of the most famous museums in the world. It is home to a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the globe, spanning over two million years of human history. The museum's collection is so vast that it can be overwhelming to navigate, but there are a few pieces that stand out as particularly special and worth seeing.

One of the most famous pieces in the British Museum is the Rosetta Stone. This ancient Egyptian artifact is a granodiorite stele inscribed with a decree from 196 BC in three scripts: hieroglyphic, demotic and Greek. The discovery of the Rosetta Stone in 1799 helped scholars to finally decipher hieroglyphs, the script used by the ancient Egyptians.

Another must-see piece is the Elgin Marbles, also known as the Parthenon Marbles. These classical Greek marble sculptures were originally part of the Parthenon temple, which was built in Athens in the 5th century BC. The Elgin Marbles were brought to England by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century and have been the subject of controversy due to the ongoing debate about their ownership.

The Egyptian mummies are also a highlight of the museum. The British Museum has one of the largest collections of Egyptian mummies in the world, many of which are on display in the museum's Egyptian galleries. Visitors can see a variety of mummies, including those of pharaohs, high priests, and ordinary people.

Other notable pieces in the British Museum include the Lewis chessmen, a collection of 12th century Norse chess pieces carved from walrus ivory, the Portland Vase, a Roman cameo glass vase, and the Sutton Hoo Helmet, an Anglo-Saxon helmet that was found in the Sutton Hoo ship burial.

In conclusion, the British Museum is home to an astounding collection of art and artifacts from around the globe. From the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles, to the mummies and more, there is something for everyone to see. The British Museum is one of the most visited museums in the world, with over 6 million visitors every year. It's a great way to spend a day in London, and it's completely free to enter! The museum also offers a variety of guided tours and audio guides that can help visitors to make the most of their visit. Additionally, the museum has a great collection of temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year, so there's always something new and exciting to discover. So, whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or just looking for a fun day out, the British Museum is a must-see destination for anyone visiting London.

The British Museum: A must to see when you stop in London
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