The British Museum.

As part of my job, I accompany children on trips to numerous places throughout England. The vast majority of these trips are centered around our marvellous capital city, London! I <3 London. I genuinely love London. There is no other city quite like it. From it's small and very British underground system (not small in scale, but rather small in size of each tube station), to our beautiful examples of architecture; St Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, The National Gallery, St James' Palace, Westminster Abbey, and of course the first national public museum; The British Museum. The British Museum is one of those mysterious museums; the ones that look like you would unearth a hidden passageway somewhere that would take you to rooms of treasure, or where the artefacts and exhibitions come to life at night- Night at the Museum anyone? Founded in 1753, this grand museum is a free educational resource, and educational it most certainly is. 

Of course, the most popular of the museum's collection is the Egyptian rooms and if you have limited time, definitely head in this direction first; it is something not to be missed! My advice to you on a limited time schedule is to go first to the Rosetta Stone; the key to understanding Egyptian Hieroglyphs, and then move upstairs to the Mummies. After, if you have time, head over to the Greeks. I'm a bit biased, because I have a very big fascination with Greek history and especially mythology, but it is one of the best areas within the British Museum. I know, I know, many people will have different opinions and ideas, but for me this is one of the most interesting eras of our history. 


If your itinerary allows for more time, take a stroll around the King's Library, the Enlightenment Library as it is now known, on the ground floor. Here you will be able to see samples of strange and exotic animals and species from voyages the world over. There are also a number of extravagant fossils to be admired. All in all a Natural History collection to rival many. Any remaining time after this should most definitely be spent inside the very colourful, Aztec room. Lights here are kept dim in order to preserve the stunning objects; many of which are carved with the images of snakes; one of their Gods was Quetzalcoatl,the "Feathered Serpent", made from turquoise mosaic and largely celebrate the theme of fertility. Keep an eye out for the double headed serpent as seen below! This is a fascinating object of great value, believed to be used by important people during religious ceremonies.


There are, of course, thousands of other things to see here, from the Romans to North America's native tribes! Be sure to grab a map when you enter the building; you often have to pay for these but the money is donated to the upkeep of the museum (it is free to enter, afterall!). 




There are often special exhibitions running throughout the year. However, many, but certainly not all, require an entry fee. On at the moment is a very exciting Manga exhibition in room 91. This is free so be sure to catch it before it ends! You have until 9th April 2012, so get going!
http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/exhibitions/manga_at_the_british_museum.aspx


Go and visit this wonderful place of history today! 


http://www.britishmuseum.org/