Long read: The British Museum is the big one.The most important museum on the planet, it brims with things of world historical importance. The Rosetta Stone, the Egyptian antiquities and mummies…
The Assyrian lion-hunt reliefs, the Parthenon Sculptures…
The Black Obelisk, the Enlightenment Gallery, 4,500-year-old “Ginger” (the “pre-dynastic” red head!), the Sutton Hoo treasure, the Portland Vase, Roman gold, Celtic gold, ivories and enamels, tiles and pottery, an astonishing display of instruments for measuring time… here is civilisation, manifest. Here the past turns on its pivots to face the 21st century.
The snag is that you can’t see for looking. Both because of the embarrassment of riches and the sheer size of the place (the building covers 13.5 acres – set off in the wrong direction and you have to walk three times too far). Indeed, how you see it is almost as important as what you see. “The best commentary on the revolution of Greek art and the quality of its achievement is…simply to come direct to the Elgin room from the Egyptian and Assyrian ones, as if into an explosion of life, even, as in the frieze, of gaiety.” Which is by way of saying, to see these things with a great guide… well, you’ll never be quite the same again. In short, the secret is to use your time at the British Museum well.
Want another peek? Here’s a Brian tour de force. He’s guiding the Assyrian Lion Hunt. Guiding like this is why he’s the People’s Choice, has people going around chanting, “We want Brian, we want Brian.”
And here’s an interview with Molly
Methinks she’s probably London Walks’ most qualified guide. And that’s saying something.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
Don’t just take it from us…
BRITISH MUSEUM TOUR – THE PRACTICALS
The British Museum Tour takes place at 2.15 pm, every*Wednesday
The meeting point is just outside the exit of Russell Square Tube.
N.B. The British Museum tour ends, needless to say, in the British Museum, which is very near three Tube stops: Russell Square, Holborn and Tottenham Court Road.
*Except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1
LONDON WALKS PRIVATE WALKS
If you can’t make one of the regularly scheduled, just-turn-up, British Museum Tour it can always be booked as a private tour. If you go private you can have the British Museum Tour walk – or any other London Walk – on a day and at a time that suits your convenience. We’ll tailor it to your requirements. Ring Fiona or Mary on 020 7624 3978 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll set it up and make it happen for you. A private London Walk – they’re good value for an individual or couple and sensational value for a group – makes an ideal group or educational or birthday party or office (team-building) or club outing.
GIVE THE GIFT OF LONDON WALKS
A private London Walk makes a fab gift – be it a birthday or anniversary or Christmas present or whatever. Merchandise schmerchandise (gift wrapped or not) – but giving someone an experience, now that’s special. Memories make us rich.
Molly provided fascinating details and in-depth knowledge during our “walk” through the British Museum. Thanks Molly and don’t forget to check out Wheel of the Year by LEL Delafield, an intriguing new novel of ancient Druids and modern day archeologists.
Rated 5 out of 5
Michal Reich –
Our tour with Karen was great.So much knowledge, with wellcoming vital energy and communication .She helped us navigate our way im this enormous institute and enjoy the jems without getting lost.
Rated 5 out of 5
Robyn Cook –
Our day at the British Museum was brilliant. There was so much to see I think we would have been fairly lost if it weren’t for our guide Brian! It was so nice to be on a private tour with only our small group. The price was reasonable and it gave us the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the guide in a way that isn’t possible with a large tour. I would definitely book a private tour with Brian in the future.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jill A. –
On a very busy day (April 10 – school holiday) at the British Museum, Molly not only navigated us through the crowds, but she provided us with a wonderful introduction to some of the many treasures at the museum. I went back another day when it was less crowded and enjoyed revisiting and remembering what I learned from Molly’s tour. Thank You!
Rated 5 out of 5
Virgil Airola –
Date: Sunday, 24 March 2024 at 09:33
To: London Walks
Subject: Molly was exceptional
Dear London Walks:
My sister and I toured both the British Museum and the National Gallery with Molly on separate days. She is an exceptional guide; the depth and breadth of her knowledge amazed us. Unlike other guides we’ve encountered, when asked a question Molly responded with detailed answers and often expounded further with additional information. She is truly unique as one able to share her well researched studies in a down-to-earth professional manner suitable for both the novice and expert Walks participants.
Regards,
Virgil Airola
Rated 5 out of 5
CarolineSF –
Molly knows her stuff and managed to navigate the centuries in a coherent, sensible way, guiding us through an otherwise overwhelming collection. Interesting and highly informative.
Rated 5 out of 5
Virginia Hart –
I made a mistake and didn’t catch the name of our tour guide. But she was lovely and ushered us through a busy place and managed to make it feel intimate and just for us. I read where the British Museum is overwhelming but our tour guide made us feel that we had a good understanding of it and had covered many, many of the important objects in the museum. My sister, and husband also loved the tour. Sorry for not getting your name, but thank you for such an interesting tour.
Rated 5 out of 5
Robin –
This was a great way to tackle the huge British Museum. Our informative and interesting guide hit the highlights in two hours and made the exhibits come alive. Highly recommend
Rated 5 out of 5
Eve Lee –
Simon’s brought the ancient civilizations at the British Museum come to life. Depth of knowledge. Sense of humor. Gifted storyteller. Fabulous tour – and an afternoon very well spent.
Rated 5 out of 5
Kathy & Bob Waste –
Our guide introduced himself as Simon – “Simple Simon,” he quipped – but an afternoon in his company at the British Museum proved him anything but. After a proper introduction to the Rosetta Stone, he learned that four of the marque galleries he’d planned on taking us to were unexpectedly closed for the day. But the show must go on, and without missing a beat, he brought ancient history to vivid life in a way that only someone with with his depth of knowledge – and passion for sharing it with others – could do. His impromptu and nuanced recitation of Shelley’s Ozymandias under the very gaze of Rameses II was a moment to be remembered. This tour was one of the highlights of our visit to London!
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Jim Rothschild –
Molly provided fascinating details and in-depth knowledge during our “walk” through the British Museum. Thanks Molly and don’t forget to check out Wheel of the Year by LEL Delafield, an intriguing new novel of ancient Druids and modern day archeologists.
Michal Reich –
Our tour with Karen was great.So much knowledge, with wellcoming vital energy and communication .She helped us navigate our way im this enormous institute and enjoy the jems without getting lost.
Robyn Cook –
Our day at the British Museum was brilliant. There was so much to see I think we would have been fairly lost if it weren’t for our guide Brian! It was so nice to be on a private tour with only our small group. The price was reasonable and it gave us the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the guide in a way that isn’t possible with a large tour. I would definitely book a private tour with Brian in the future.
Jill A. –
On a very busy day (April 10 – school holiday) at the British Museum, Molly not only navigated us through the crowds, but she provided us with a wonderful introduction to some of the many treasures at the museum. I went back another day when it was less crowded and enjoyed revisiting and remembering what I learned from Molly’s tour. Thank You!
Virgil Airola –
Date: Sunday, 24 March 2024 at 09:33
To: London Walks
Subject: Molly was exceptional
Dear London Walks:
My sister and I toured both the British Museum and the National Gallery with Molly on separate days. She is an exceptional guide; the depth and breadth of her knowledge amazed us. Unlike other guides we’ve encountered, when asked a question Molly responded with detailed answers and often expounded further with additional information. She is truly unique as one able to share her well researched studies in a down-to-earth professional manner suitable for both the novice and expert Walks participants.
Regards,
Virgil Airola
CarolineSF –
Molly knows her stuff and managed to navigate the centuries in a coherent, sensible way, guiding us through an otherwise overwhelming collection. Interesting and highly informative.
Virginia Hart –
I made a mistake and didn’t catch the name of our tour guide. But she was lovely and ushered us through a busy place and managed to make it feel intimate and just for us. I read where the British Museum is overwhelming but our tour guide made us feel that we had a good understanding of it and had covered many, many of the important objects in the museum. My sister, and husband also loved the tour. Sorry for not getting your name, but thank you for such an interesting tour.
Robin –
This was a great way to tackle the huge British Museum. Our informative and interesting guide hit the highlights in two hours and made the exhibits come alive. Highly recommend
Eve Lee –
Simon’s brought the ancient civilizations at the British Museum come to life. Depth of knowledge. Sense of humor. Gifted storyteller. Fabulous tour – and an afternoon very well spent.
Kathy & Bob Waste –
Our guide introduced himself as Simon – “Simple Simon,” he quipped – but an afternoon in his company at the British Museum proved him anything but. After a proper introduction to the Rosetta Stone, he learned that four of the marque galleries he’d planned on taking us to were unexpectedly closed for the day. But the show must go on, and without missing a beat, he brought ancient history to vivid life in a way that only someone with with his depth of knowledge – and passion for sharing it with others – could do. His impromptu and nuanced recitation of Shelley’s Ozymandias under the very gaze of Rameses II was a moment to be remembered. This tour was one of the highlights of our visit to London!