The British Museum

The British Museum in London attracts over five million visitors every year and is home to over 13 million objects of cultural, historical, artistic, and scientific importance. Its impressive neo-classical façade on Great Russell Street in Bloomsbury, houses some of the world's most famous treasures.

The first items in the British Museum's collection came from the physician, naturalist, and collector, Sir Hans Sloane, who died in 1753. In his will, Sloane bequeathed his library, herbarium and collection of more than 71,000 objects to the King for the sum of £20,000.

Highlights of the British Museum's collections include the Rosetta Stone, the epic of Gilgamesh, material from the Palace of Knossos, the Standard of Ur, the Elgin Marbles, the Black Obelisk, and the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities outside the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. In addition to the collections, the British Museum has a comprehensive library and reading room. Regular workshops, performances, storytelling, and other events take place here, and free art materials are provided for children.

Entry to the British Museum is free, although there is a charge for some special exhibitions. The Museum is open every day except 24th to 26th December, 1st January, and Good Friday, and there is late opening on Thursdays and Fridays. The nearest underground stations are Holborn, Tottenham Court Road, Russell Square, and Goodge Street.

Radisson Edwardian hotels in this area

If you're looking for a London hotel that's close to the British Museum in Bloomsbury, there are two luxury Radisson Edwardian 4 star hotels nearby.

The Radisson Edwardian Marlborough Hotel is a 4 star hotel in Bloomsbury Street, within a few minutes walk of the British Museum. This hotel offers warmly furnished rooms with fin-de-siecle prints, traditional mahogany furniture, and complimentary wireless internet access. The hotel has a bar and restaurant, a separate café, and a business centre and guests may use the fitness room at the Kenilworth Hotel next door. If you're looking for a traditional English hotel in the heart of London's Bloomsbury, the Radisson Edwardian Marlborough is the one for you.

The Radisson Edwardian Kenilworth Hotel is a 4 star hotel in Great Russell Street, just 50 metres from the British Museum. The foyer is decorated with fine artwork and designer furniture, while the rooms are furnished with African walnut furniture and bespoke wall coverings. Sicilian marble bathrooms complete the luxurious look, and the rooms are fully equipped with advanced telephone systems, complimentary wireless internet access, and US 110v sockets. The hotel has a business centre, a fitness room, and a restaurant and bar. If you're looking for a modern, stylish hotel in London's historic Bloomsbury, the Radisson Edwardian Kenilworth Hotel is sure to please.

Save money on London visitor attractions

With our 'Let loose in London' scheme, you get a discounted hotel package at a London Radisson Edwardian hotel of your choice, plus exclusive special offers and discounts at some of London's finest galleries, theatres, restaurants, and tourist attractions.