Highlights
Free general admission to the permanent collection (book a timed ticket to guarantee entry). Paid special exhibitions run year-round.
About this experience
A world-class museum in Bloomsbury covering two million years of history—free to enter with timed tickets recommended. Open daily, with a longer Friday evening slot for slow, crowd-light wanderings.
What's included
- Free general admission to the permanent collection (book a timed ticket to guarantee entry). Paid special exhibitions run year-round.
Who it's for
- All ages; great for first-timers, families and history/design nerds. Family programmes and trails are available on site.
What you'll do
- Enter via Great Russell Street, step into the Great Court, then pick a circuit (Egypt, Greece & Rome, Asia, the Middle East). Use the museum map to hop galleries efficiently.
Before you go
- Hours: Daily 10:00—17:00; Fridays to ~20:30 (last entry 16:45 / Fri 20:15). Slots can change—check week-of.
- Bags: security checks apply; no wheeled suitcases and items over ~40×40×50 cm or 8 kg aren’t allowed on site (cloakrooms have limits).
- Photos: personal photography is generally fine in most galleries; special exhibitions/commercial use have restrictions/licensing.
Good to know
- Getting there: Closest Tube stations are Tottenham Court Road (5 min), Holborn (7 min), Russell Square (7 min), Goodge Street (8 min). Address: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG.
- Fridays: the museum stays open later—nice for the big hitters without the midday crush.
Why this is worth it
Free, huge, and easy to reach. Book a timed ticket, travel light (no big bags), and use Friday nights if you want room to breathe.