Bag searches and large luggage: for everyone’s safety all bags, rucksacks, packages and personal items may be searched before entry. Wheeled cases and large items of luggage are not allowed on British Museum premises. Storage for luggage is available at major rail stations, including Euston, King’s Cross and Charing Cross.
Object trails and highlights
Explore highlights of the Museum
1 hour at the Museum
3 hours at the Museum
12 objects to see with children
A History of the World in 100 objects
London, a world city in 20 objects
Desire and diversity
Explore highlights online
Tours and talks
Daily eye-opener tours
Free 30-40 minute tours introducing different areas of the collection, throughout the day.
Lunchtime gallery talks
Free 45 minute talks with guest speaker or curator, Tuesdays–Fridays at 13.15.
Friday evening spotlight tours
Free 20 minute tours focussing on highlights by culture, every Friday evening.
Highlights tour
90 minute tours of the collection, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, £14 per person.
Special early morning tour
60 minute tours held before the galleries open to the public, £30 per person (Price includes a British Museum souvenir guide book).
Object handling sessions
Hands On desks
Free, daily 11.00–16.00
A unique opportunity to handle objects from the Museum’s collection. Volunteers will help you and answer your questions.
Audio guide
Whether you have an hour or the whole day, the audio guide helps you make the most of your visit. Find out more about the Museum’s most popular objects or take a themed tour – it’s up to you. Available in 10 languages.
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Event highlights
The fascination of nature the hidden meanings of a Chinese handscroll
Thursday 15 November, 13.30
The Fascination of Nature, dated 1321, by Xie Chufang is one of the most important acquisitions of…
Around the world in 90 minutes
Friday 16 November, 11.30
Explore the British Museum's most famous treasures with an illuminating 90-minute tour. Discover…
Restaurant and cafés
Court Cafés and Pizzeria
Freshly made café-style food and drinks.
Court Restaurant
Fine dining overlooking the Great Court.
After your visit
Museum Mile
Discover 12 other treasures on the Museum Mile, including the British Library, the Wellcome Collection, Sir John Soane's Museum and Foundling Museum.
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