Tour Details
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
- British Museum
Photos & Highlights
- Tour the British Museum with an expert guide to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the museum's collections.
- Our local experts offer insights and perspectives on these remarkable exhibits -- that you might not otherwise discover on your own.
Tour Description
On this three-hour tour, guided by a licensed archaeologist or historian, you'll delve deep into the British Museum's iconic treasures, from the Rosetta Stone to the Parthenon Marbles and the Assyrian Lion Hunt. Despite being a "British" Museum, only 1% of its entire collection is from Britain. The vast majority of artifacts come from all around the world, reflecting the global reach and influence of the British Empire throughout history.
Generally starting with the museum's 18th-century origins, you'll explore the Enlightenment Gallery, formerly known as the King’s Library. Here, you'll delve into the emergence of archaeology and the inception of art history, especially as seen through ancient Greek art.
As you navigate the museum, you'll be introduced to standout exhibits. Discover the Egyptian collection, where you'll learn about hieroglyphs, decipher ancient texts, and view an impressive array of cuneiform tablets. Depending on your group's interests, the tour might emphasize art from ancient Iran or Iraq, or perhaps a deeper look into the Parthenon Marbles. By the tour's conclusion, you'll have a richer understanding of this global bastion of history and culture.
- You crave expert insights from a licensed archaeologist or historian, who can vividly bring to life the museum's treasures
- You're interested in exploring a collection that spans the globe, offering a deep dive into a myriad of cultures, from the ancient Greek masterpieces to the mysteries of Egyptian hieroglyphs and more.
- For those traveling with children under 12, we suggest our specially crafted British Museum tour for kids, led by expert guides trained in engaging young minds.
The British Museum – Home to a collection of over 8 million artifacts, this museum is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts.
General Information
- There will be a break in the tour to stop and use bathroom facilities as well as opportunities to stop and rest along the way if needed. Please communicate any mobility needs or concerns with our team at the time of booking.
Tickets
- Admission to the British Museum is free. However, our skip-the-line tickets will get us to a special lane where our group will have to stand in line due to security and crowd control measures.
Headsets
- Depending on your group size, we may be required by the venue to order headsets, in which case you’ll see a “Headset Fee” added to your order. If you would like to guarantee headsets for your tour regardless of your group size, please email us and we’ll do our best to get them reserved for you.
Resources
- If you are looking to learn more about London prior to a visit, check out our Online Lectures and Audio Guides
Accessibility
- The Great Russell Street entrance has 12 steps with a handrail. There are self-operable lifts on both sides of the steps. There is level access at the Montague Place entrance. The majority of galleries and all special exhibitions are fully accessible.
- Additional information about Accessibiilty at the British Museum is available here.
For more information about Context tours, please visit our FAQs.
Is there an entrance fee for the museum?
Entry to the museum is complimentary, however, their team does appreciate your donation.
Our group consists of 8 individuals, but your website has a limit of 7 participants. Can an exception be made?
Regrettably, due to venue capacity constraints, we maintain a limit of 7 participants per group. For larger parties, we advise dividing into smaller subgroups for a better experience.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
407 Reviews
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Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Lawrence was an exceptionally knowledgeable and engaging tour guide. Throughout the tour, Lawrence's captivating storytelling and deep understanding of the museum's artifacts brought history to life. His passion for the subject matter was truly evident and made the experience all the more enriching.
His personalized approach was truly exceptional. His attentiveness to my interests, and his ability to tailor the experience to accommodate them, enhanced the overall quality of my visit. This level of care and consideration further underscores the depth of his expertise and his commitment to creating a meaningful experience for each visitor.
I look forward to the prospect of having him as my guide on future trips to London.
Corinne
Dec. 1, 2023
An extremely fascinating tour that is obviously well prepared and also off the beaten track in a good way. Well done!
Lee
Nov. 12, 2023
Very knowledgable guide and pleasant. Very late to appointment and wished that he had interacted us to go into the museum in the meantime. A bit rushed and carrying a briefcase, however, he guided us to the highlights very well.
Diane
Oct. 27, 2023
See the British Museum with Context
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