The British Museum

The British Museum is one of the world's largest and most renowned museums. It houses over 7 million artifacts and treasures from around the world, a collection so quantity and diverse that it is unparalleled among museums worldwide.

A rich collection of treasures

Because of its vast collection, the British Museum can showcase almost the entire history of world civilization. Despite space limitations, it can still display approximately 50,000 items at a time. Its main collection dates from the Middle Ages, particularly renowned for its ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman artifacts, while also including a large number of precious artifacts from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. Many cultural treasures from around the world can only be seen in their original form here.

Ancient Greek style main building

The main building is modeled after ancient Greek architecture, with a tall colonnade at the main entrance flanked by eight thick and tall Roman columns on each side, and a gable roof decorated with reliefs. Entering the museum from the main entrance, you arrive at the Great Court, which is inspired by the Louvre Pyramid and connects more than 100 exhibition halls of various sizes around it. The space is bright, transparent, simple, and grand.

Bright central atrium

The Great Court, originally part of the British Library, was transformed into a white-themed covered plaza after the library relocated. The plaza's massive, semi-transparent roof, composed of numerous uniquely shaped glass panels combined with white stone, allows for excellent natural light even on gloomy London days. The courtyard houses genuine masterpieces of art, including marble lions and Easter Island statues. Furthermore, live performances by artists from around the world are frequently held here, adding a relaxed atmosphere to the otherwise serious museum.

At the center of the grand atrium is a reading room, displaying art documents and books open to the public. visitors can admire the dome and the antique circular bookshelves up close. The entrance to the reading room is marked with the names of notable figures who have read here. Cafes and restaurants are located on either side and above the grand atrium, offering dining options with panoramic views. A museum shop is situated along the outer edge of the reading room, where visitors can purchase souvenir after their visit.

The three treasures of the museum

The Rosetta Stone: Originally from Egypt, this stone bears inscriptions in three different languages ​​of ancient Egyptian pharaohs' edicts. By comparing these texts, archaeologists gradually grasped the key to deciphering ancient Egyptian civilization. However, the Rosetta Stone displayed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo is a replica.

The Admonitions Scroll: There are 12 scrolls in total, of which the British Museum holds 9 Tang Dynasty copies. The Admonitions Scroll is ranked 39th in the BBC's "100 Greatest Antiquities of the World", which shows its high cultural and historical value. The scroll has been collected by emperors and high officials throughout history.

The Elgin Marbles: These are fragments of sculptures from the Parthenon, dating back over 2,500 years. They were purchased by the British Royal Family at great expense and have been in the museum for over 200 years.

Specialty Pavilions

The Asian Pavilion consists of Halls 33 and 95. Hall 33 showcases artifacts from China, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, including Chinese cultural relics as well as collections from countries such as India. Hall 33B features Chinese jade artifacts, and Hall 95 showcases Chinese ceramics.

The British Museum houses a vast collection of Chinese cultural relics lost overseas, comprising over 25,000 items, with approximately 2,000 on permanent display. The exhibits are meticulously designed, organized chronologically by dynasty, from the Shang and Zhou bronzes to the Qin and Han dynasties and the Republic of China period. The porcelain from the major kilns is curated separately according to the styles of Ru, Ge, Jun, Ding, and Guan, demonstrating professionalism and order. Other recommended artifacts include a large Tang tri-color glazed pottery piece, a Song dynasty Cizhou ware "circus pillow," a Yuan dynasty blue-and-white porcelain plate with fish and seaweed design, Ming dynasty Xuande cloisonné enamelware, and Buddhist statues from the Dunhuang murals.

Ancient Egypt Gallery: Rooms 4, 61-66. One of the most popular areas in the museum. Exhibits include mummies. The Ancient Egypt Gallery is also extremely popular, and almost everyone who visits the British Museum sees it.

Ancient Greek and Roman Pavilion: Halls 11-23, 69-73, 77, 78, and 82-85. The entire Parthenon is breathtaking, and there are many ancient Greek marble sculptures and exquisite vases and other artifacts. The Portland Vase in Hall 70 is also a must-see.

Some exhibits are not suitable for long-term display and are only exhibited during specific periods each year (including the Admonitions Scroll mentioned above). If you are planning to visit, you should check the schedule on the official website in advance.