British Museum, London, United Kingdom
Date Visited: May 12, 2014
Time Spent: 3 hours
Collection: Antiquities, Archaeological finds, Fine art, coins, archives, pretty much everything pertaining to human history.
Website: http://www.britishmuseum.org/
Now here's a heavy hitter if I ever saw one. With a permanent collection numbering somewhere around the humble number of 8 million artefacts and artworks, it is undoubtedly one of the largest and most famous of museums in the world. I take no shame in quoting Stefon from SNL in saying that "this place has EVERYTHING". It's over 250 years old and comprehensively covers most corners of the world. If you want to find something out, or just get lost in another world, look no further. Plus, like all museums under the crown, admission is free, so don't feel pressure to see everything in one day! (Because you won't. Even if you walk the whole thing in a day, that's cheating- don't lie to yourself).
If you have taken any art or history (or art history) course, you have without a doubt been shown the image of a piece of work or artefact that belongs in the British Museum. That's because once upon a time, the British were great at going into places and taking what wasn't theirs. I'll skip the politics for now, because #forgiveness, but do keep this in mind when you're wandering around the vast corridors marvelling at all the amazing, unbelievable things. Maybe even pretend to be progressive and use the free WiFi to tweet passive aggressive things while you enjoy your visit #FreeTheEglinMarbles
Your thoughts on the debate?
Like all large-scale museums nowadays, first impressions matter. And the British Museum does not disappoint! You first approach the old columned facade with an air of adventure, feeling the historic past that lives inside these walls. You suddenly feel as if you should be wearing a blazer with elbow patches instead of your tourist fanny pack and camera strap. Then you enter the Great Court that was renovated back in 2001, and the perfect blend of modernity and history hits you smack in the face. Expect to be here at least 10 minutes to take some Instagram shots.
Once you've acclimatized to that, start your journey wherever you see fit. The maps tell you where all the famous pieces are. Exhibits are designed quite modernly, but still keep that air of antiquity, simplicity and sophistication one would expect in an early 20th century museum. Which I LOVED. There's not tons of information posted everywhere, but that'll just leave you hungry for more knowledge as you #ExitThroughTheGiftShop.
Bet you don't know about Sutton Hoo!
There is less fine art here, you'll be looking mostly at archaeological and ethnographical artefacts collected from around the world. This means you'll have to do your best to read while you look, instead of just stare dumbfounded at a painting. Personally, I prefer this, as 3D objects pulled from the dirt can tell us so much more about our collective history (can you tell I'm an archaeologist at heart?).
Here's my top 5 list if you want to get a good mix of the artefacts and learn something while you gawk:
The Ram in the Thicket - Ur, Mesopotamia
The Great Gold Buckle from the Sutton Hoo Ship Burial - United Kingdom
Aztec Turquoise Mosaic Mask- Mexico
The Eglin Marbles (or the Parthenon Sculptures) - Athens, Greece. (This is just one example of the many on display)
If you're only planning a quick drop in here during you visit, think again. Even if you don't like history or art, you'll probably lose track of the time, if not get lost completely in the expanse that is the British Museum. But regardless, you'll come out feeling like Percy Fawcett or Indiana Jones himself.
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