The first national public museum in the world!

The British Museum was founded in 1753 and opened its doors in 1759. It was the first national museum to cover all fields of human knowledge, open to visitors from across the world.

Enlightenment ideals and values – critical scrutiny of all assumptions, open debate, scientific research, progress and tolerance – have marked the Museum since its foundation.

The Museum's unique Grade I listed public galleries are complemented with a suite of contemporary conference facilities, designed by Lord Foster, for daytime and evening events.