Established in 1759, the British Museum is one of London’s oldest and most popular historic institutions. If you’re looking to broaden your horizons and learn something new, it’s a must see.
Before heading back to our luxurious hotel for a relaxing Montcalm afternoon tea experience, why not spend the day exploring the halls of the British Museum and uncovering all of the incredible historic and cultural treasures? Here are the best exhibits to see during your stay at the Montcalm Luxury Hotel London.
Rosetta Stone
This famous block of granodiorite is the key that has helped historians unlock the mysteries of ancient Egypt for centuries. Hieroglyphs remained an unsolvable puzzle for years but thanks to inscriptions on the Rosetta Stone, researchers were eventually able to create accurate and reliable translations. It was discovered at the turn of the 18th century and has sat in the British Museum since 1802, attracting tourists by the droves every year.
Mummies Collection
If you decide to spend the afternoon at the British Museum, don’t forget to check out the star attractions. The mummies at the museum are the most popular exhibits and offer a unique look back into ancient history. The ancient Egyptians are one of the few civilisations to mummify their dead and this collection gives you the opportunity to learn about that process and the history of the famous Pharos. This is a must-see exhibit if you’re travelling to London with the kids.
Granite Head
Even if you’re not familiar with the long history of the Temple of Mut in Karnak, you will probably recognise the iconic granite head that was taken from there. The giant sculpture is officially known as the Colossal Granite Head of Amenhotep III and is one of the largest artefacts in the museum. The sculpture has a strong resemblance to the famous giant heads of Easter Island, however, it was crafted in Egypt around 200 years later. This is a great photo opportunity so be sure to take your camera along with you.
Elgin Marbles
Explore ancient Greece and discover some of the most beautiful sculptures in the world as you browse the Elgin Marbles collection. In its heyday, ancient Greece was a leading force and helped create the foundations for modern democracy, art and culture. Gaze at the sculptures as you admire the intricacies of the patterns and imagery. They originally sat in the Parthenon in Greece but were brought to the UK in the early 1800s and housed in the British Museum by Lord Elgin.
Vindolanda Tablets
The history of the Roman Empire in Britain goes back centuries and there still remnants of the impact it had spread all throughout London. If you’re interested in learning more about this, don’t miss out on seeing the Vindolanda Tablets. They consist of letters written by Roman soldiers to their loved ones and were discovered in an ancient military fort along Hadrian’s Wall. Reading the personal messages from average citizens will give you a whole new perspective on the Roman Empire.
