The British Museum

About The British Museum

With cultures from the dawn of human history to the present day, the British Museum is a museum of the world, for the world. Founded in 1753, the Museum holds, conserves, researches, exhibits and shares the collection in its care, making it available to the widest possible audience. It is the foremost museum of the history of humanity, where visitors can engage with two million years of cultural achievement. Visitors can enjoy a unique comparison of world cultures in a collection that brings together objects from around the globe, spanning continents and oceans. No other museum is responsible for a collection of the same depth, breadth, beauty and significance. World-famous objects including the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures, and Egyptian mummies are visited by 6 million visitors per year. In addition to the vast permanent collection, the Museum’s special exhibitions, displays and events are all designed to advance understanding of the collection and cultures they represent. Drawing on the richness of its collection of 8 million objects and the unparalleled expertise of its staff, the Museum has cemented its position as a world forum and a natural place for debate on issues facing today’s globalised society.