Yes, entry to the Museum to view the permanent collection is free. All visitors (except Members) are advised to book a timed slot in advance

Self-led groups of 10 or more people will need to book a group ticket Please see the Group visits page for more details.

We also have special exhibitions and events, both free and paid, which require booking in advance.

In line with current government and NHS guidance, face masks are not mandatory but visitors are welcome to wear them if they wish. The Museum maintains a robust cleaning schedule and hand sanitiser stations are available across the site. 

All tickets for the permanent collection can be booked online in advance(Opens in new window). Walk-up visits are available each day for those who arrive at the Museum without advance bookings. But this does depend on capacity, as walk-up entry cannot be guaranteed. Please speak to staff on your arrival to enquire about availability. Find out more on our Visit page.  

You can book tickets for up to nine people.

Self-led groups of 10 or more people will need to book a group ticket(Opens in new window). Please see the Group visits page for more details.

Please see our Exhibitions and events page to see what’s on and to book tickets.

For access assistance with your booking, please see our Accessibility page.

The Museum is open daily, 10.00–17.00 (last entry at 16.45). On Fridays the Museum is open until 20.30 (last entry at 20.15). Find out about upcoming late opening on Fridays.

Please note that galleries start closing up to 10 minutes before the stated closing time. See full opening hours. 

Special exhibitions will be open Fridays until 20.30 (last entry at 19.30).

The Museum is closed on 24, 25 and 26 December. 

All bags, rucksacks, packages and personal items may be searched before entry so we suggest allowing extra time for your visit.

Wheeled cases, sports equipment and large items of luggage are not allowed on the premises. See the Visit page for a full list of restrictions. Pushchairs are welcome but will need to be kept with you for the duration of your visit.

The new visitor and Member cloakroom is located near the Main entrance on Great Russell Street. See the Visit page for more information.

Please don’t leave your bags unattended at any point during your visit.

You’re welcome to bring food and drink, but we ask that you don’t consume these in the galleries.

View the map to help navigate the Museum and explore incredible cultures from around the world. Discover ancient Egypt, Assyria and the Mediterranean and reconnect with objects including the Rosetta Stone, the treasures of Sutton Hoo and the Portland Vase.

There are also themed object trails to follow:

• One hour at the Museum trail
• Collecting and empire trail
• Twelve objects to see with children trail
• Desire, love, identity: LGBTQ histories trail

Take a self-guided tour of the Museum using our Audio app (available in five languages). Download via the App Store(Opens in new window) or Google Play Store(Opens in new window). Please bring your headphones with you or purchase earbuds from the Guide Desk or British Museum Shop.

We’re currently running the following Museum-led tours:

• Out-of-hours: an introduction to ancient Egypt
• Out-of-hours: life and death in ancient Egypt
• Out-of-hours: an introduction to the British Museum
• Out-of-hours: an introduction to China
• Out-of-hours: an introduction to the ancient Greek world
• Around the world in 70 minutes
• Desire, love, identity: an LGBTQ tour
• Eye-opener tours
• Friday night spotlight tours

There are a variety of free downloadable Museum explorer trails for your family to enjoy while at the Museum. 

Take on a Museum Mission (featured in six galleries) and challenge your family to a variety of tasks. Pose with mighty emperors in Room 70, or hunt for hieroglyphs among Egyptian sculptures.

If you’re visiting on a weekend head to the Families Desk and chat to one of our friendly family facilitators to make the most of your visit. Make sure to collect a backpack and Museum explorer trail.

Fold-up prams and buggies can be left free of charge in the cloakroom, which is found by turning left immediately after passing through the Main entrance of the Museum.

Items of large luggage (including some bags and rucksacks and all wheeled suitcases) are not permitted on-site.

For more information on family facilities, please see our Family visits page.

For information about facilities for those with specific access requirements, please see the Accessibility at the Museum page. This includes how to book parking, reserve a wheelchair and information on access.

If you need help during your visit, please speak to a uniformed member of staff.

For accessible events, please check the Accessible events calendar.

We offer a wide range of food and drink options, including: 

• Great Court Restaurant – advance booking recommended
• Court Cafés​​​​
• Pizzeria
• Outdoor dining
• Montague Café – closed
• Coffee Lounge – closed

Visit our Food and drink page for more information. 

You can bring your own food and drink and can consume it in the Great Court. Families can bring packed lunches to the Ford Young Visitors Centre during weekends and school holidays. 

Explore learning opportunities for a range of ages and educational needs. 

Plan a self-led visit to the Museum to explore the permanent collection or special exhibitions. Book onto one of our popular school sessions, where an expert facilitator will guide your students when learning about the collection. Connect your class to the British Museum for a free live interactive workshop. 

Explore our Home Education page, for on-site activities, events and at home resources. Access facilities on-site and learning opportunities for SEN. Search our access and SEN page, for inclusive learning opportunities.

Search Collection online to find out more about individual objects.

Booking requests for the department study rooms at the British Museum main site can now be accepted. Opening hours vary.

Our library and archive are open by appointment: Tuesday – Thursday, 10.00–13.00 and 14.00–16.00.