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.
And here’s another tasty backgrounder.
A London Calling podcast about the man who gave us the British Museum. And into the bargain, milk chocolate! It’s all of about 12 minutes long. Maybe listen to it while you’re on your way to meet up with the tour.
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.
We went with Simon today. He was terrific!!! Made it all come alive, and very charming and enjoyable!!! I’m not sure how to give him 5 stars, but I would if I could figure it out. Many thanks!!
Rated 5 out of 5
Richard waldo –
Wed may 27, British museum tour. Simon gave a fantastic tour. We covered the breadth of history that the museum represents in an organized, witty, engrossing way. The stories and passion that Simon brought to the presentation were exceptional. It was a unique experience that could not be obtained any other way except through your tour. Thank you.
Rated 5 out of 5
Brian Lynch –
The depth of talented guides at London Walks was apparent when Simon was called upon at short notice to cover for Molly on this walk on Wednesday 13 May.
He gave generously of his time right up to closing time whilst entertaining us with a whistle-stop tour of the museum. Covering centuries of time across many continents the exhibits at the British Museum are mind blowing but guided by Simon we were shown an excellent cross section of the exhibits – enough to whet our appetite for further visits.
Rated 5 out of 5
Donna –
Brian was a wonderful guide. He made the highlights of the museum come alive. Ten years ago, I went to the museum and thought it was okay, but didn’t really understand most of sculptures. His explaining the Elgin Marbles and who the sculptures represented was so interesting as also the lion hunt. His voice and humor also was appreciated.
Rated 5 out of 5
Toby –
Brian did a fantastic job in both giving an overview on collection highlights and going into details on some of the masterwork. He articulates well and throws in a bit of humor. Two hours well spent. Highly recommended.
Rated 5 out of 5
Kimberly Kylstra –
Simon gave an amazing tour! Witty, incredibly insightful, and lots of fun. The museum would have been overwhelming otherwise and he really made the highlights understandable and accessible.
Rated 5 out of 5
Katrina –
This guided walk is essential for anyone wanting an introduction to the British Museum .. and anyone not wanting to read a zillion placards. Karen’s story telling was great – interesting and really fun. Her knowledge, extensive! Excellent tour. Thank you, Karen.
Rated 5 out of 5
Randall Brewer –
Had a great tour with Rick Jones, with an exceptional History lesson!
Rated 5 out of 5
Aisha Mergaert –
Simon did a great job filling in for Molly. Second time at the museum, but first time really understanding what I saw. Thanks!
Rated 5 out of 5
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.
John Suman –
We went with Simon today. He was terrific!!! Made it all come alive, and very charming and enjoyable!!! I’m not sure how to give him 5 stars, but I would if I could figure it out. Many thanks!!
Richard waldo –
Wed may 27, British museum tour. Simon gave a fantastic tour. We covered the breadth of history that the museum represents in an organized, witty, engrossing way. The stories and passion that Simon brought to the presentation were exceptional. It was a unique experience that could not be obtained any other way except through your tour. Thank you.
Brian Lynch –
The depth of talented guides at London Walks was apparent when Simon was called upon at short notice to cover for Molly on this walk on Wednesday 13 May.
He gave generously of his time right up to closing time whilst entertaining us with a whistle-stop tour of the museum. Covering centuries of time across many continents the exhibits at the British Museum are mind blowing but guided by Simon we were shown an excellent cross section of the exhibits – enough to whet our appetite for further visits.
Donna –
Brian was a wonderful guide. He made the highlights of the museum come alive. Ten years ago, I went to the museum and thought it was okay, but didn’t really understand most of sculptures. His explaining the Elgin Marbles and who the sculptures represented was so interesting as also the lion hunt. His voice and humor also was appreciated.
Toby –
Brian did a fantastic job in both giving an overview on collection highlights and going into details on some of the masterwork. He articulates well and throws in a bit of humor. Two hours well spent. Highly recommended.
Kimberly Kylstra –
Simon gave an amazing tour! Witty, incredibly insightful, and lots of fun. The museum would have been overwhelming otherwise and he really made the highlights understandable and accessible.
Katrina –
This guided walk is essential for anyone wanting an introduction to the British Museum .. and anyone not wanting to read a zillion placards. Karen’s story telling was great – interesting and really fun. Her knowledge, extensive! Excellent tour. Thank you, Karen.
Randall Brewer –
Had a great tour with Rick Jones, with an exceptional History lesson!
Aisha Mergaert –
Simon did a great job filling in for Molly. Second time at the museum, but first time really understanding what I saw. Thanks!
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.