British Museum Tour: A Guided Crash Course

Unlock the secrets of humanity's greatest artifacts with expert narratives
From US$153 for 1 person
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Tour Details
Duration
3 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
British Museum
Photos & Highlights
  • Enjoy tailored insights and stories that cater to your interests, whether you're an art aficionado or a history buff.
  • Navigate thousands of years of history and explore exhibits you might not see on your own with a knowledgeable guide who brings artifacts to life.
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Tour Description
Did you know that 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. 

If you’re ready to explore the iconic British Museum but are unsure of where to begin, join an expert historian on a journey through the museum's vast collection of artifacts, Egyptian archaeological finds, and more. 

As you explore the galleries, you'll uncover the stories behind the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and the Assyrian Lion Hunt reliefs. Allow your expert to tie it all together with captivating narratives that highlight the cultural significance and historical context of each piece.

This British Museum tour is not just about viewing artifacts; it's about engaging with them on a deeper level. Learn about the intricacies of ancient Egyptian rituals, the philosophical advancements of the Greeks, and the engineering marvels of the Romans. Transform your understanding of history and gain a profound appreciation for the achievements and struggles of past civilizations.

By the end of this journey, you'll feel a personal connection to the artifacts and a deeper appreciation for the museum's role in preserving our global heritage. 
Experts
Aaron Aaron
Archaeologist
Alan Alan
Archaeologist
Paula Paula
Local Guide
Robert Robert
Local Guide
Sean Sean
Local Guide
Simon Simon
Fashion
Chris Chris
Local Guide
Suzanne Suzanne
Art Historian
Tim Tim
Historian
Alexandra Alexandra
Local Guide
Don Don
Local Guide
Alex Alex
Local Guide
Janice Janice
Local Guide
Karen Karen
Local Guide
Emanuela Emanuela
Local Guide
Deirdre Deirdre
Local Guide
Barbara Barbara
Local Guide
Barry Barry
Local Guide
Maurizio Maurizio
Art Historian
Lawrence Lawrence
Anthropologist
Ed Ed
Local Guide
Jane Jane
Architectural Historian
Sue Sue
Historian
Norma Norma
Local Guide
Oliver Oliver
Historian
William William
Local Guide
David David
Local Guide
Sean Sean
Historian
Laurence Laurence
Local Guide
Amber Amber
Local Guide
Andrew Andrew
Archaeologist
Sam Sam
Local Guide
Frederika Frederika
Historian
Helena Helena
Archaeologist
Marc Marc
Art Historian
Caroline Caroline
Architectural Historian

  • You want to experience everything the museum offers with insights that go beyond what’s written on the plaques.
  • You’d like a personalized experience tailored to your interests, whether in art, history, or archaeology.
  • 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.
  • British Museum
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.

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. 

Additional Trip-Planning Resources

A few things that pair well with this tour: 

  • Get the most out of your trip to the museum with a pre-trip talk: Must-See Treasures of the British Museum
  • Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. While you’ll be inside, you’ll still be covering a lot of ground! The British Museum is one of the largest museums in the world, after all.
  • Grab your sketchpad and channel your inner artist. Drawing is allowed in the galleries.

Looking for insider recommendations? Get expert tips to seeing the true London in our London City Guide.
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.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.

Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?
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 accessibility at the British Museum is available here.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
(4.83) 485 Reviews

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

Alan was an amazing guide! His in-depth knowledge coupled with interesting storytelling made our tour so enjoyable.
Andrew's tour was a master class...we can't wait to return home and visit The Met with our newly found insights. His knowledge and enthusiasm was unmatched and much appreciated.
Sean was, as expected, well-informed on the sections of the British Museum that we covered in our crash course. He successfully navigated us around and through other tour groups and discussed a good cross-section of the artifacts of the ancient world. We had been to some of the origins of the artifacts as had Sean, so we were able to have a deeper discussion of the context of items being in the museum vs. in their location of origin. Such discussions are common with Context docents.

See the British Museum with Context

Get to know one of the art historians leading this tour

Meet Alan

Uncover the Secrets of History with British Museum Tickets and a Local Expert

Embark on a journey of discovery at the British Museum with our expert-led tour, including British Museum tickets for an immersive experience like no other. Delve into the heart of London's cultural heritage as our knowledgeable guides unveil the treasures and stories behind each artifact.

Our tour offers educational depth, providing a comprehensive crash course on the museum's vast collection. From ancient civilizations to contemporary art, our guides offer insightful commentary that will enrich your understanding of history and culture.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of human civilization with our culturally immersive experience. Explore artifacts from around the world and gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of global cultures.

Personalization is key to our tours, as we tailor the experience to meet the interests and curiosities of each traveler. Whether you're a history buff or an art enthusiast, our guides will ensure you leave with a deeper personal connection to the destination.

With expert guidance, hidden aspects of the museum come to life, revealing fascinating insights and stories that you won't find in guidebooks. Our guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge and sharing the hidden stories behind each corner of the British Museum. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to explore the British Museum with British Museum tickets included.

Need help planning your trip to London, including the British Museum? Start by reading British Museum Highlights: An Insider's Guide on Context Stories.