On 15 January 1759, the British Museum opened to the public, becoming the world’s first national public museum.
The Birth of the British Museum: the Father
Sir Hans Sloane was a distinguished physician, naturalist, and collector. He had amassed a vast and diverse collection of books, manuscripts, antiquities, natural history specimens and curiosities throughout his lifetime.
Recognising the importance of preserving this treasure trove for future generations, Sir Hans Sloane bequeathed his collection to King George II upon his death in 1753.
With Sloane’s collection in hand, King George II took the visionary step of establishing the British Museum, which was founded by an Act of Parliament in 1753, making it the first national public museum in the world.
The Museum’s Early Years:
The British Museum opened its doors to the public on January 15, 1759, with a “modest” (note the quotation marks) collection that included approximately 71,000 objects.
Modest compared to today I mean:
Did you know?
The British Museum collection totals at least 8 million objects. Roughly 80,000 objects are on public display at the British Museum in Bloomsbury at any one time. This is 1% of the collection, however, the displays include many of the most important items.
The institution was initially housed in a 17th century mansion called Montagu House, which once stood on the current site in Bloomsbury, London.
Its primary purpose was to provide access to knowledge and culture for all, regardless of their social status or background, and the museum was open to all “studious and curious persons”, offering free admission and access to its collections.
However, in the early years, the museum had limited opening hours and a strict ticketing system, which restricted the number of visitors and their social background.
Only the well-connected elites, who had the leisure time and the approval of the museum’s trustees, could enter the museum.
It was not until the mid-19th century that the museum relaxed its regulations and extended its opening hours, allowing more people from all walks of life to visit the museum.
The Museum’s commitment to free and open access to knowledge became a model for future cultural institutions around the world.
Growth and Transformation
Over the years, the British Museum continued to grow and evolve. New collections were added, and the institution expanded its facilities to accommodate its ever-expanding treasures.
The collections were expanded by explorers such as James Cook, who brought back objects from their travels around the globe.
by Samuel Atkins c. 1794
The museum also acquired some of the most famous ancient artefacts in the world, such as the Parthenon sculptures, and Egyptian mummies.
One of the most significant additions to the Museum’s holdings was the acquisition of the Rosetta Stone in 1802. This artifact, which unlocked the secrets of Egyptian hieroglyphs, became a symbol of the Museum’s commitment to unraveling the mysteries of the past.
During these years, the British Museum served as a beacon of enlightenment, attracting scholars, researchers, and curious minds from across Europe. Visitors flocked to Bloomsbury to explore its treasures and expand their horizons.
The museum also supported archaeological excavations abroad, making it a centre for the study of ancient cultures.
Did you know?
Where most people in 19th Century UK saw ‘exciting acquisitions’ made by and for the British Museum, the feeling in the countries where these artefacts were ‘acquired’ was a bit different, earning the museum this controversial nickname…
Critics argue that some of the artifacts displayed in the British Museum were obtained through colonialism, looting, or unethical means during the British Empire’s expansion.
While the museum has made efforts to address these concerns and return some items to their countries of origin, the nickname serves as a reminder of the complex and sometimes contentious history surrounding the acquisition of its collections.
Modern Days
Today, the British Museum is home to over 8 million objects, spanning thousands of years and cultures from around the world. It has become a global hub for education, research, and cultural exploration.
At the centre of the British Museum sits the largest covered public square in Europe, the Queen Elizabeth II Great Court.
Designed by the architects Foster and Partners, the Great Court is a two-acre space (it’s a bit less than 1 ha, about the size of one and a half football pitches) enclosed by a spectacular glass roof with the world-famous Reading Room in the middle.
Did you know?
You think you don’t know this architect? Well think again. You might not know his name but you know the buildings he designed. In London alone he was responsible for (among MANY others):
– 2000: the Millennium Bridge, linking the City of London and Southwark, and City Hall (Southwark)
– 2004: 30 St Mary Axe, AKA ‘The Gherkin’ – City of London
– 2007: the new Wembley Stadium
– 2015: Crossrail Place – Canary Wharf
– 2017: the Bloomberg building – City of London
– 2023: Battersea Roof Gardens – Battersea Power Station
The Museum’s mission to educate, inspire, and engage with the public remains as vital as ever. Through exhibitions, publications, and digital resources, it continues to bring the wonders of the world to millions of people worldwide.
The British Museum in Bloomsbury remains a testament to the power of curiosity, exploration, and the universal pursuit of knowledge.
To prepare your visit or to find more information, please click here.
Helene
