London Must See Museums - The British Museum

Although the name may suggest that the museum isSaxon England.
all about Britain it is in fact a historical journey around- A mosaic of Christ, the oldest image of Christ found
the world with exhibits and galleries covering thein Britain.
Americas, Egypt, ancient Greece and Rome as wellOf course there is so much more to enjoy, as well as
as Asia and the Middle East. The museum itself wasspecial short term exhibitions which are well worth
founded in 1753, and was the first national publiclooking out for there are also opportunities to get to
museum in the world and opened to the public on 15handle objects and to attend film showings, lectures
January 1759. It was first housed in a seventeenthand lunchtime talks.
century mansion, Montagu House, in Bloomsbury on theMy only criticism is a that there is so much to see and
site of the present building.do so a little advanced planning is advised especially if
Among the fantastic offerings are:there are specific exhibits that you want to see, find
- The Sloane Astrolobe, a mechanical map of theout where they are and see them before you get
heavens.distracted elsewhere. A good tip is to join one of the
- The Rosetta Stone, the key tablet to decipheringfree eye opener gallery tours which take between 30
hieroglyphs.- 40 minutes each which will give you a great insight on
- The Lewis Chessmen, the most famous chess set inwhat the museum has to offer. I suggest doing a few
the world.of those if it is your first visit, that way you will know
- A stone chopper from Tanzania, the oldest exhibit inyour way around a little better if you decide to visit
the museum.again.
- The Sutton Hoo burial ship and treasures from