Located in the Bloomsbury area of London, the British Museum is the location of a national collection of science and art treasures. It first began in 1753 when Parliament purchased the collection of Sir Hans Sloane and a collection from Sir Robert Harlry’s Library. First opened to the public in 1759 in Montage House, it was later moved to its present locat ion, being built in stages from 1823. The famous Reading Room was built in 1857 and is now part of the glassed-in Great Court.

The British Museum aims to “illuminate(照亮) the histories of cultures for the benefit of present and future generations”. Thus, the number and subject of the exhibits and galleries is vast. Ranging from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, and back to prehistoric times, they highlight more than just Britain. A visit to the Museum is a visit through the centuries of mankind and what he has left behind of himself.

The British collections trace the history of Britain and cover prehistoric times, Roman Britain, medieval(中世纪的) and later Britain. One of the highlights of the prehistoric age is the preserved body of Lindow Man(林多人), dated the mid-1st century AD. The Stone Age collections include works of art and jewellery dating from 35,000 to 10,000 years ago.

4th to 20th century, European art and archaeology collections illustrate cultures of the time. Items from the famous Anglo-Saxon Sutton Hoo burial are of particular interest. Sutton Hoo, located in East Suffolk, contained 11 barrows(坟墓) and the remains of a Saxon ship complete with gold and silver treasures.

Admission: Free

Entrance: The main entrance is on Great Russell St, with an alternate entrance on Montague Place.

Bus routes: Southampton Row: 68, 91, 188; New Oxford Street: 7, 8, 19, 25, 38, 55, 98.