The Famous British Museum in London

Introduction

The British Museum located in London is one of the largest and most famous museums in the world. It has a vast collection of over 8 million works showcasing human culture and civilization.[1] The museum contains artifacts from ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, the Middle East, Europe, Americas and Asia. Some of the highlights include the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures, and Egyptian mummies. Read on to learn more about the history of this iconic museum and the amazing collections it holds.

History of the British Museum

The origins of the British Museum date back to the 18th century. At that time, there was growing interest in studying cultures and civilizations which led to an increase in collectors and scholars in Britain. Sir Hans Sloane was one such prominent collector who had amassed over 71,000 artifacts from around the world.[2]

In 1753, Sloane decided to sell his collection to the British government for £20,000. The British Parliament then passed an act in 1759 to establish the British Museum located in the Bloomsbury area of London. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1759.

The initial collection was housed in Montagu House and consisted of Sloane’s artifacts, the Harleian manuscripts, and the Cotton library. The famous round Reading Room was built in 1857 to accommodate scholars. In the 19th century, the museum expanded with additions like the Egyptian sculpture gallery and the White Wing.

During World War I, there were concerns about bombing which led parts of the collection being moved underground. In 1963, the British Library was established leading to 4 million books being transferred from the British Museum. The Natural History Museum was also established in 1881 when natural history specimens were moved out of the British Museum.

In 2000, the Great Court was opened marking the biggest change to the building since its construction. The museum continues to evolve with new galleries and facilities to house its growing collections and visitors.[3]

Key Collections at the British Museum

With over 8 million works of art, artifacts and specimens, the British Museum has one of the largest collection in the world showcasing human cultures. The vast collection is divided into various departments:[4]

Ancient Egypt and Sudan

This houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts outside Egypt. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, mummies, sarcophagi, sandstone fragments of statues and carvings, and the colossal head of Amenhotep III.

Greece and Rome

Some of the key Greek artifacts are the Parthenon sculptures known as the Elgin Marbles, the Nereid Monument, and sculpture from the Temple of Artemis. The Roman collection includes mosaics and sculptures.

Middle East

There are over 330,000 Middle Eastern artifacts including Phoenician glass and carved ivories from Nimrud. The museum has one of the world’s largest collections of Mesopotamian antiquities.

British and European History

This department covers British, medieval and later European history. It includes treasures from the Sutton Hoo ship burial and the Lewis chessmen. Other highlights are the Mold Cape and Raphael’s cartoons.

The Asian artifacts include Chinese ceramics, pioneer Japanese objects, Buddhist limestone carvings, and art from South Asia. The Amaravati sculptures from India are a key highlight.

Africa, Oceania and the Americas

The museum has important collections from the indigenous people of Africa, Oceania, North America, Central America and South America. Highlights include the double-headed serpent turquoise mosaic from Mexico and Sidney Parkinson’s drawings of Indigenous Australians.

The British Museum Press

The British Museum has its own dedicated publishing division called the British Museum Press (BMP). It produces illustrated books, exhibition catalogues, scholarly titles and guidebooks for museum visitors. The BMP is a charity governed by the British Museum Trustees. All proceeds support the museum’s work. [5]

The BMP publishes around 30 books a year showcasing the museum’s collection. It has co-published titles with other institutions as well. By producing high-quality books and resources, the BMP helps promote awareness about the museum and its exhibits to visitors from around the world.

Conclusion

As one of the oldest and largest museums in the world, the British Museum has a vast encyclopedic collection representing human cultures across the millennia. From Egyptian mummies to samurai armor to Mesoamerican artifacts, the museum offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover our shared history. The British Museum continues to evolve and expand its collection for future generations. A visit to this iconic institution is a must on any trip to London.

References

[1] British Museum. (n.d.). About the British Museum. Retrieved from https://www.britishmuseum.org/about_us.aspx

[2] British Museum. (n.d.). History of the British Museum. Retrieved from https://www.britishmuseum.org/about_us/the_museums_story.aspx

[3] Wilson, D. (2002). The British Museum: A history. The British Museum Press.

[4] British Museum. (n.d.). Collection areas. Retrieved from https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection

[5] British Museum. (n.d.). British Museum Press. Retrieved from https://www.britishmuseum.org/terms-use/press

Originally published at https://www.eclectic-realm.com on February 12, 2024.