What is the primary focus of the British Museum and where is it located?

The British Museum is a public museum dedicated to human history, art, and culture. It is located in the Bloomsbury area of London, England.

What is the size of the British Museum's permanent collection and what historical scope does it cover?

The museum's permanent collection is the largest in the world, comprising approximately eight million objects. It documents the story of human culture from its earliest beginnings to the present day.

When was the British Museum established and what was its initial significance?

Established on June 7, 1753, the British Museum was the first public national museum, making its collections freely accessible to the public rather than being owned by the church or monarchy.

How many visitors did the British Museum receive in 2023 and what was its national ranking?

In 2023, the British Museum received 5,820,860 visitors, marking a 42% increase from 2022. It was ranked as the most popular attraction in the United Kingdom.

Upon whose collections was the British Museum largely founded?

At its inception, the museum was largely based on the extensive collections of the Anglo-Irish physician and scientist Sir Hans Sloane.

What were some of the well-known acquisitions of the British Museum that are subject to ongoing repatriation claims?

Some of the museum's most famous acquisitions, such as the Greek Elgin Marbles and the Egyptian Rosetta Stone, are currently subject to long-term disputes and claims for repatriation to their countries of origin.

How did the British Library become a separate entity from the British Museum?

In 1973, the British Library Act 1972 legally detached the library department from the British Museum. However, the British Library continued to be housed in the same Reading Room and building as the museum until 1997.

What was Sir Hans Sloane's profession and how did he amass his collection?

Sir Hans Sloane was a London-based physician and naturalist. He gathered a large collection of curiosities throughout his lifetime, particularly after marrying the widow of a wealthy Jamaican planter.

What was the estimated value of Sir Hans Sloane's collection and how much did Parliament pay for it?

Sloane's collection was contemporarily estimated to be worth between £50,000 and £80,000 or more. However, Parliament paid his heirs a sum of £20,000 (equivalent to £3,846,793 in 2023) for the collection to be bequeathed to the nation.

What types of objects were included in Sir Hans Sloane's collection?

Sloane's collection consisted of approximately 71,000 objects, including about 40,000 printed books, 7,000 manuscripts, extensive natural history specimens (like 337 volumes of dried plants), prints and drawings by artists such as Albrecht Dürer, and antiquities from Sudan, Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Ancient Near and Far East, and the Americas.

Which other significant libraries were added to the British Museum's foundation collections in 1753 and 1757?

In 1753, the Cottonian Library (assembled by Sir Robert Cotton) and the Harleian Library (collection of the Earls of Oxford) were added. In 1757, the 'Old Royal Library,' now known as the Royal manuscripts, assembled by various British monarchs, also joined the collection.

What notable literary works were part of the British Museum's initial foundation collections?

The foundation collections included many treasured books now in the British Library, such as the Lindisfarne Gospels and the sole surviving manuscript of *Beowulf*.

What building served as the initial location for the British Museum, and why was Buckingham House rejected?

The museum was initially located in Montagu House, a converted 17th-century mansion. Buckingham House, which later became Buckingham Palace, was rejected by the trustees due to its cost and unsuitable location.

When did the British Museum first open its exhibition galleries and reading room to the public?

The first exhibition galleries and reading room for scholars at the British Museum opened on January 15, 1759.

How did the museum's natural history collection become more accessible to European natural historians?

In 1763, Daniel Solander, a former student of Carl Linnaeus, was employed to reclassify the natural history collection according to the Linnaean system, making the museum a public center of learning for natural historians.

What was the museum's first significant acquisition of antiquities, and when did it occur?

In 1772, the museum acquired its first significant antiquities with Sir William Hamilton's 'first' collection of Greek vases for £8,410.

What types of objects from Captain James Cook's voyages were displayed at the museum from 1778?

From 1778, a display of objects from the South Seas, brought back from Captain James Cook's round-the-world voyages and other explorers' travels, captivated visitors with glimpses of previously unknown lands.

What major artifact, crucial for deciphering hieroglyphs, did King George III present to the museum in 1802?

In 1802, King George III presented the Rosetta Stone to the British Museum, which proved to be key to the deciphering of Egyptian hieroglyphs.

Who was responsible for acquiring the large collection of marble sculptures from the Parthenon for the British Museum?

Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin, ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, removed a large collection of marble sculptures from the Parthenon in Athens between 1799 and 1803, which were then acquired by the British Museum in 1816 by Act of Parliament.

Who was the neoclassical architect tasked with planning the expansion of the British Museum in the early 19th century?

Sir Robert Smirke, a neoclassical architect, was asked in 1802 to draw up plans for an eastern extension to the museum and eventually for today's quadrangular building.

What important discovery was made during excavations in Assyria in the 1840s and 1850s, supported by the museum?

During excavations in Assyria by A.H. Layard and others, the great library of cuneiform tablets belonging to Ashurbanipal was discovered, making the museum a focal point for Assyrian studies.

What was the significance of Anthony Panizzi's work for the British Museum Library?

Under Anthony Panizzi's supervision, the British Museum Library quintupled in size and became a well-organized institution, recognized as the largest library in the world after the National Library of Paris.

What architectural feature was added to the central quadrangle at Panizzi's request?

At Panizzi's request, the quadrangle at the center of Smirke's design was filled by a circular Reading Room of cast iron, designed by Smirke's brother, Sydney Smirke, which opened in 1857.

How did Augustus Wollaston Franks expand the museum's collecting scope from 1851?

With the appointment of Augustus Wollaston Franks in 1851, the museum began to collect British and European medieval antiquities, prehistory, and branched out into Asia, diversifying its holdings of ethnography for the first time.

What technological innovation was introduced to the Reading Room and exhibition galleries between 1875 and 1900?

During this period, electric lighting was introduced in the Reading Room and exhibition galleries, marking a time of innovation for the museum.

What immense bequest did A. W. Franks leave to the museum in 1897?

Upon his death in 1897, A. W. Franks bequeathed an immense collection of 3,300 finger rings, 153 drinking vessels, 512 pieces of continental porcelain, 1,500 netsuke, 850 inro, over 30,000 bookplates, and various other items, including the Oxus Treasure.

What was the Waddesdon Bequest, and what were its specific terms?

The Waddesdon Bequest, bequeathed by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in 1898, consisted of almost 300 *objets d'art et de vertu*, including exquisite jewelry, plate, enamel, carvings, glass, and maiolica. The will specifically stipulated that the collection be placed in a special room, to be called the Waddesdon Bequest Room, separate from other museum contents, and kept there permanently.

What measures did the British Museum take to protect its collections during wartime bombing in 1918?

In 1918, due to the threat of wartime bombing, some objects were evacuated via the London Post Office Railway to Holborn, the National Library of Wales (Aberystwyth), and a country house near Malvern.

What was the outcome of wartime storage on some antiquities, and what permanent department was established as a result?

Upon the return of antiquities from wartime storage in 1919, some objects were found to have deteriorated. This led to the establishment of a conservation laboratory in May 1920, which became a permanent department in 1931 and is today the oldest in continuous existence.

Who funded and designed the gallery for the Parthenon sculptures, and when was it completed?

In 1931, Sir Joseph Duveen offered funds to build a gallery for the Parthenon sculptures. Designed by the American architect John Russell Pope, it was completed in 1938.

What significant administrative reforms were introduced by an Act of Parliament in 1963?

In 1963, a new Act of Parliament introduced administrative reforms that made it easier to lend objects, changed the constitution of the board of trustees, and granted full independence to the Natural History Museum.

What temporary exhibition in 1972 attracted a record number of visitors to the British Museum?

The temporary exhibition 'Treasures of Tutankhamun' in 1972 attracted 1,694,117 visitors, making it the most successful exhibition in British history at that time.

What major architectural development transformed the central quadrangle of the British Museum after the British Library moved out?

After the British Library moved to St Pancras in 1998, the vacant space in Robert Smirke's 19th-century central quadrangle was redeveloped into the Queen Elizabeth II Great Court, which opened in 2000 and is the largest covered square in Europe.

What award did the British Museum receive in 2000?

In 2000, the British Museum was awarded the National Heritage Museum of the Year award.

What is the current status of the Round Reading Room, originally designed by Sydney Smirke?

The Round Reading Room, designed by Sydney Smirke and opened in 1857, closed in 1997 when the British Library moved. Today, it has been transformed into the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Centre.

What is the British Museum's general stance on the restitution of contested artifacts?

The British Museum maintains that the 'restitutionist premise,' which suggests all artifacts should return to their original geographical sites, would deplete major museums worldwide. It also cites the British Museum Act of 1963, which prevents the disposal of objects once they have entered its collection, though it has returned human remains when consistent with legislation.

What are some of the most prominent contested artifacts in the British Museum's collection?

The Elgin Marbles, the Benin Bronzes, Ethiopian Tabots, and the Rosetta Stone are among the most disputed objects in the British Museum's collections, with various organizations advocating for their return to their native countries.

What recent negotiations have taken place regarding the Parthenon sculptures (Elgin Marbles)?

In late 2022, the British Museum entered into preliminary negotiations with the Greek government concerning the future of the Parthenon sculptures.

What controversy surrounds artifacts from the Old Summer Palace in Beijing?

There is controversy over artifacts taken during the destruction of the Old Summer Palace in Beijing by an Anglo-French expeditionary force in 1860, an event that drew protest from Victor Hugo. Chinese investigators have requested access to the museum's archives to document these treasures.

What legal development occurred in the UK regarding Nazi-looted art after 2005?

After a 2005 ruling stated it was illegal for the British Museum to return Nazi-looted art, the law was changed in 2009 and again in 2022, granting museums additional powers to return such art or provide compensation.

What is the British Museum's policy regarding drawings with uncertain provenance from the 1933–1945 period?

According to a 2017 report, around 30% of continental and British drawings acquired since 1933 have uncertain or incomplete provenance for the 1933–1945 period. The museum lists these works on its website and investigates claims for restitution.

What protests have been directed at the British Museum regarding its sponsorship deals?

Since 2016, activist groups, trade unions, and the public have protested against the British Museum's sponsorship relationship with the oil company BP, believing it implicates the museum in global warming.

What incident in August 2023 led to a staff member's dismissal and the director's resignation?

In August 2023, a staff member was fired after it was discovered that items including gold, jewelry, and gems had been stolen over a 'significant' period. This incident led to an investigation and the resignation of the museum's director, Hartwig Fischer, due to an inadequate response to theft warnings.

What plan did the British Museum announce following the thefts in 2023?

As a consequence of the thefts, the museum announced a five-year plan to digitize its complete collection and make it available for public viewing online.

What settlement did the British Museum reach with translator Yilin Wang in August 2023?

In August 2023, the British Museum reached a settlement with translator Yilin Wang after using her translations of poetry by Qiu Jin without credit or permission in their 'China's Hidden Century' exhibition.

What criticism did the British Museum face in January 2025 regarding naming conventions?

In January 2025, the British Museum was criticized by Tibetan human rights groups for referring to Tibet as 'Xizang,' which is the current preferred term of the government of the People's Republic of China.

What is depicted on the pediment over the main entrance of the British Museum?

The pediment over the main entrance of the British Museum is decorated by sculptures by Sir Richard Westmacott, depicting 'The Progress of Civilisation' through fifteen allegorical figures, installed in 1852.

What materials were used in the construction of the British Museum's facade and perimeter walls?

The museum's facade is faced with Portland stone, while the perimeter walls and other parts of the building were constructed using Haytor granite from Dartmoor in South Devon.

What is the size and scope of the Department of Prints and Drawings' collection?

The Department of Prints and Drawings holds the national collection of Western prints and drawings, comprising approximately 50,000 drawings and over two million prints, covering the period from the 14th century to the present.

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A Global Repository

The World's First Public National Museum

The British Museum, situated in the Bloomsbury area of London, stands as a preeminent public institution dedicated to the vast tapestry of human history, art, and culture. Established on June 7, 1753, it holds the distinction of being the first public national museum globally, conceived not for church or monarch, but freely accessible to all. Its foundational principle was to collect comprehensively, documenting the human story from its earliest beginnings to the contemporary era.

An Unrivaled Collection

Boasting a permanent collection of approximately eight million objects, the British Museum possesses the largest and most diverse collection in the world. This immense repository chronicles human cultural development across millennia. In 2023, the museum welcomed 5,820,860 visitors, solidifying its status as the most popular attraction in the United Kingdom, a testament to its enduring appeal and scholarly significance.

Origins and Enduring Debates

The museum's genesis is largely attributed to the extensive collections of Sir Hans Sloane, an Anglo-Irish physician and scientist. His vast array of curiosities formed the nucleus of what would become a global institution. However, some of its most iconic acquisitions, such as the Greek Elgin Marbles and the Egyptian Rosetta Stone, remain subjects of long-standing international disputes and calls for repatriation, reflecting complex historical narratives.

Chronicles of Acquisition & Expansion

Sir Hans Sloane's Legacy

The British Museum's origins are deeply rooted in the extraordinary collection of Sir Hans Sloane (1660–1753), a London-based physician and naturalist. Driven by a desire to keep his vast assemblage intact after his death, Sloane bequeathed it to King George II for the nation, for a sum of £20,000. His collection comprised approximately 71,000 objects, including 40,000 printed books, 7,000 manuscripts, extensive natural history specimens, and antiquities from diverse regions such as Sudan, Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Ancient Near and Far East, and the Americas.

Royal Assent and Foundational Libraries

On June 7, 1753, King George II granted royal assent to the Act of Parliament that formally established the British Museum. This pivotal act also integrated two other significant libraries: the Cottonian Library, dating back to Elizabethan times, and the Harleian Library. In 1757, the "Old Royal Library," now known as the Royal manuscripts, assembled by various British monarchs, was added. These four "foundation collections" included invaluable texts such as the Lindisfarne Gospels and the sole surviving manuscript of Beowulf, solidifying the museum's dual role as a national museum and library.

Global Discoveries and Early Acquisitions

The museum initially opened to the public in Montagu House on January 15, 1759. Early acquisitions included objects from Captain James Cook's voyages, offering a glimpse into previously unknown cultures. The collection of antiquities began to grow significantly with Sir William Hamilton's "first" collection of Greek vases in 1772. The early 19th century saw the acquisition of monumental pieces, including Egyptian sculptures following the Battle of the Nile, and the iconic Rosetta Stone in 1802, presented by King George III, which proved crucial for deciphering hieroglyphs.

Architectural Evolution and Expansion

As the collections rapidly expanded, Montagu House became inadequate. Sir Robert Smirke, a neoclassical architect, was commissioned in 1823 to design the quadrangular building seen today. The East Wing, housing the King's Library, was completed by 1831. Further expansion included the construction of infill galleries for Assyrian sculptures and Sydney Smirke's iconic Round Reading Room, which opened in 1857. This period also saw the natural history collections relocated to a new building in South Kensington, which would eventually become the independent Natural History Museum.

Milestones and Modernization

The 20th century brought further growth and challenges. The Edward VII Galleries were constructed between 1906 and 1914. During World War II, valuable objects were evacuated to protect them from bombing, which nonetheless severely damaged parts of the museum, including the Duveen Gallery. Post-war, the museum continued to acquire significant treasures, such as the Ur treasure and the Sutton Hoo finds. The separation of the British Library in 1998 allowed for the creation of the Queen Elizabeth II Great Court, a stunning covered central square that opened in 2000, enhancing visitor experience and circulation.

Institutional Framework

Public Body Status

The British Museum operates as a non-departmental public body, receiving sponsorship from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport through a structured three-year funding agreement. This classification ensures its public accountability while maintaining a degree of operational independence. Its leadership is vested in the Director of the British Museum, a role that has evolved from its initial designation as 'principal librarian' to its current title, reflecting the museum's changing scope after the separation of its book collections.

The Board of Trustees

The museum's general management and oversight are entrusted to a board of 25 trustees. This board, with the Director serving as its accounting officer for governmental reporting, operates under the mandates of the British Museum Act 1963 and the Museums and Galleries Act 1992. Historically, the board was chaired by prominent figures such as the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor, and the Speaker of the House of Commons. Today, 15 trustees are appointed by the Prime Minister, one by the Crown, four by relevant industry bodies, and the remaining five by other trustees, ensuring a diverse and expert advisory body.

Architectural Grandeur

The Iconic Greek Revival Facade

The British Museum's imposing Greek Revival facade, fronting Great Russell Street, is a signature work of Sir Robert Smirke. It features 43 columns in the Ionic order, each standing 45 feet (14 meters) high, meticulously modeled after those of the temple of Athena Polias at Priene in Asia Minor. The pediment above the main entrance is adorned with sculptures by Sir Richard Westmacott, installed in 1852, depicting "The Progress of Civilisation" through fifteen allegorical figures, inviting visitors to contemplate humanity's journey.

Evolution of the Building

Construction of the current quadrangular building began in 1823 with the East Wing (The King's Library), followed by the North Wing (1833–1838), which originally housed a reading room. Montagu House was demolished in 1842 to make way for the West Wing, completed in 1846, and the South Wing, finished in 1847. The building is faced with Portland stone, while its perimeter walls and other structural elements were crafted from Haytor granite from Dartmoor. Sydney Smirke, Robert's brother, later added the magnificent Round Reading Room (1854–1857), which, at 140 feet (43 meters) in diameter, was then the second-widest dome globally.

The Great Court and Modern Facilities

A significant transformation occurred with the departure of the British Library in 1998, freeing up the central courtyard. This space was redeveloped into the Queen Elizabeth II Great Court, designed by Buro Happold and Foster and Partners, opening in 2000 as Europe's largest covered square. Its striking glass and steel roof comprises 1,656 uniquely shaped panes. Today, the museum spans over 92,000 square meters (990,000 sq ft) and includes the £135 million World Conservation and Exhibitions Centre, completed in 2014, which centralizes conservation facilities and provides a large temporary exhibition space.

Scale of Display and Storage

Despite its immense size, the British Museum showcases less than 1% of its entire collection to the public, approximately 50,000 items across nearly one hundred galleries, representing 2 miles (3.2 km) of exhibition space. The vast majority of its 13 million objects are held in extensive storage facilities, including 21,600 square meters (232,000 sq ft) on-site and 9,400 square meters (101,000 sq ft) externally. Recent developments include the British Museum Archaeological Collection near Reading (2024) and Franks House in East London for early prehistory collections, ensuring the preservation and study of its global treasures.

Curatorial Divisions

Department of Egypt and Sudan

This department houses the world's most extensive and comprehensive collection of Egyptian antiquities outside the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, with over 100,000 pieces. It spans an extraordinary 11,000 years, from the Predynastic Neolithic period (c. 10,000 BC) through Coptic (Christian) times (12th century AD). The collection began with Sir Hans Sloane's initial donation and significantly expanded with artifacts confiscated by the British army after the Battle of the Nile in 1801, including the iconic Rosetta Stone. Subsequent acquisitions from excavations by figures like Henry Salt, the Egypt Exploration Fund, and the museum's own fieldwork have enriched this unparalleled collection.

Selected Highlights from the Egyptian and Sudanese Collections:

Predynastic and Early Dynastic (c. 6000 BC – c. 2690 BC):
- Mummy of "Ginger" and five other individuals from Gebelein (c. 3400 BC)
- Flint knife with an ivory handle (Pit-Rivers Knife), Sheikh Hamada (c. 3100 BC)
- The Battlefield Palette and Hunters Palette (c. 3100 BC)
- King Den's sandal label from Abydos (c. 2985 BC)
Old Kingdom (2690–2181 BC):
- Original casing stones from the Great Pyramid of Giza (c. 2570 BC)
- Limestone false door of Ptahshepses, Saqqara (2440 BC)
- Abusir Papyri, some of the oldest papyri from ancient Egypt (2400 BC)
Middle Kingdom (2134–1690 BC):
- Three Granite statues of Senwosret III, Deir el-Bahri (1850 BC)
- Colossal head of Amenemhat III, Bubastis (1800 BC)
New Kingdom (1549–1069 BC):
- Fragment of the beard of the Great Sphinx of Giza (14th century BC)
- Colossal quartzite statue of Amenhotep III (1350 BC)
- Amarna Tablets (99 out of 382 found), second largest collection globally (1350 BC)
- Papyrus of Ani, one of the finest extant Book of the Dead (1275 BC)
- The Great Harris Papyrus, the longest surviving papyrus from antiquity (1200 BC)
Third Intermediate Period (1069–664 BC):
- Greenfield papyrus, funerary papyrus of Princess Nesitanebetashru (950–930 BC)
- Shabaka Stone from Memphis (c. 700 BC)
- Sphinx of Taharqo (680 BC)
Late Period (664–332 BC):
- Saite Sarcophagus of Sasobek, vizier of Psammetichus I (664–610 BC)
- Obelisks and sarcophagus of Pharaoh Nectanebo II (360–343 BC)
Ptolemaic Dynasty (305–30 BC):
- The Rosetta Stone, trilingual stela that unlocked ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics (196 BC)
- Giant sculpture of a scarab beetle (32–30 BC)
Roman Period (30 BC – 641 AD):
- The Meriotic Hamadab Stela from the Kingdom of Kush (24 BC)
- Over 30 Fayum mummy portraits from Hawara and other sites (40–250 AD)

Department of Greece and Rome

With over 100,000 objects, the British Museum's Department of Greece and Rome boasts one of the world's most comprehensive collections from the Classical world. These artifacts span from the Greek Bronze Age (around 3200 BC) to the establishment of Christianity in the Roman Empire (313 AD). The collection encompasses items from mainland Greece, the Aegean Islands, Asia Minor, Egypt, Sicily, and southern Italy, representing Cycladic, Minoan, and Mycenaean cultures. Notable pieces include significant sculpture from the Parthenon and elements from two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus and the Temple of Artemis at Ephesos.

Selected Highlights from the Greek and Roman Collections:

Architectural Monuments:
- Parthenon Marbles (Elgin Marbles), Athens (447–438 BC)
- Caryatid and Ionic column from the Erechtheion, Acropolis of Athens (420–415 BC)
- Reconstruction of the Nereid Monument, Xanthos, Lycia (c. 390 BC)
- Elements from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, including colossal figures and Amazonomachy frieze (c. 350 BC)
- Column from the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus (early 4th century BC)
Prehistoric Greece and Italy (3300 BC – 8th century BC):
- Over thirty Cycladic figures (3300–2000 BC)
- Minoan gold treasure from Aegina (1850–1550 BC)
- Bronze Minoan Bull-leaper from Rethymnon, Crete (1600–1450 BC)
Etruscan (8th century BC – 1st century BC):
- Gold jewellery from Castellani and Galeassi Tombs, Palestrina (8th–6th centuries BC)
- Ornate gold fibula from the Bernardini Tomb, Cerveteri (675–650 BC)
- Sarcophagus of Seianti Hanunia Tlesnasa from Chiusi (150–140 BC)
Ancient Greece (8th century BC – 4th century AD):
- Group of life-size archaic statues from Didyma (600–580 BC)
- Chatsworth Apollo Head, Tamassos, Cyprus (460 BC)
- Dedicatory inscription by Alexander the Great from Priene (330 BC)
- Colossal head of Asclepius of Milos (325–300 BC)
Ancient Rome (1st century BC – 4th century AD):
- Bronze head of Augustus from Meroë in Sudan (27–25 BC)
- Cameo glass Portland Vase, the most famous glass vessel from ancient Rome (1–25 AD)
- Silver Warren Cup with homoerotic scenes (5–15 AD)
- Discobolus (Discus-thrower) statue (1st–2nd centuries AD)
- Capitals from the pilasters of the Pantheon, Rome (126 AD)
- Jennings Dog, a statue of a Molossian guard dog (2nd century AD)

Department of the Middle East

The Department of the Middle East houses an extensive collection that documents the rich history and cultures of the ancient Near East. This includes significant artifacts from Mesopotamia, Assyria, Babylonia, and other regions, providing crucial insights into the origins of civilization, writing, and early empires. Among its treasures are the renowned Assyrian palace reliefs, which depict scenes of royal life, warfare, and religious rituals from the Southwest Palace of Sennacherib in Nineveh, dating from 701-681 BC. These monumental works offer a vivid narrative of ancient power and artistry.

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References

The estimated footage of the various libraries as reported to the trustees has been summarised by Harris (1998), 3,6: Sloane 4,600, Harley 1,700, Cotton 384, Edwards 576, The Royal Library 1,890.

de Beer, Gavin R. (1953). Sir Hans Sloane and the British Museum. London.

The question of the use of the term 'British' at this period has recently received some attention, e.g. Colley (1992), 85ff. There never has been a serious attempt to change the museum's name.

Letter to Charles Long (1823), BMCE115/3,10. Scrapbooks and illustrations of the Museum. Wilson, David M. (2002). The British Museum: A History. London: The British Museum Press, p. 346.

BMCE1/5, 1175 (13 May 1820). Minutes of General Meeting of the Trustees, 1754â63. Wilson, David M. (2002). The British Museum: A History, p. 78.

Wilson, David, M. (2002). The British Museum: A History. London: The British Museum Press, p. 79

Caygill, Marjorie (2006). The British Museum: 250 Years. London: The British Museum Press, p. 5.

Wilson, David M. (2002). The British Museum: A History. London: The British Museum Press, p. 270.

Wilson, David M. (2002). The British Museum: A History. London: The British Museum Press, p. 327.

https://www.britishmuseum.org/about-us/british-museum-story/architecture

Reported in the list of Sloane's collection given to his executors in 1753. Reproduced in MacGregor (1994a:29)

British Museum collection

A full list of references for this article are available at the British Museum Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional historical or archaeological advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official museum documentation, academic research, or seeking advice from qualified historians, archaeologists, or museum professionals. Always refer to authoritative sources and expert opinions for specific historical or archaeological inquiries.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Chronicles in Stone

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

A Global Repository 🌐

🏛️ The World's First Public National Museum

📦 An Unrivaled Collection

📜 Origins and Enduring Debates

Chronicles of Acquisition & Expansion ⏳

👨‍🔬 Sir Hans Sloane's Legacy

👑 Royal Assent and Foundational Libraries

🗺️ Global Discoveries and Early Acquisitions

🏗️ Architectural Evolution and Expansion

🌟 Milestones and Modernization

Institutional Framework 🏛️

💼 Public Body Status

🤝 The Board of Trustees

Architectural Grandeur 📐

🏛️ The Iconic Greek Revival Facade

🔄 Evolution of the Building

✨ The Great Court and Modern Facilities

🗄️ Scale of Display and Storage

Curatorial Divisions 📚

🇪🇬 Department of Egypt and Sudan

Selected Highlights from the Egyptian and Sudanese Collections:

🇬🇷 Department of Greece and Rome

Selected Highlights from the Greek and Roman Collections:

🌍 Department of the Middle East

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To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

A Global Repository

The World's First Public National Museum

An Unrivaled Collection

Origins and Enduring Debates

Chronicles of Acquisition & Expansion

Sir Hans Sloane's Legacy

Royal Assent and Foundational Libraries

Global Discoveries and Early Acquisitions

Architectural Evolution and Expansion

Milestones and Modernization

Institutional Framework

Public Body Status

The Board of Trustees

Architectural Grandeur

The Iconic Greek Revival Facade

Evolution of the Building

The Great Court and Modern Facilities

Scale of Display and Storage

Curatorial Divisions

Department of Egypt and Sudan

Department of Greece and Rome

Department of the Middle East

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

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Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice