Just simply one of the most magnificent museums in the world, containing more than 7 million artifacts, this showcase of the past is now FREE. Hail Britannia! London visitors can now schedule at least two visits to this treasure trove, instead of frustrating themselves attempting to see all its highlights in one. Since most school tours seem to occur mornings, you can visit two afternoons. For our son, the Elgin Marbles captured his attention first, as he had experienced with us the Acropolis on our first European trip. Pressure by the Greeks to have them returned to Athens will continue, especially for the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, but, personally, I think the much-maligned Elgin did civilization a great favor in removing them when the Turks were so ignorant about the peerless Acropolis that they used it as a gunpowder site. He even lost money when he sold them to the Museum. The marbles gleam, their artistry strikes the viewer with awe at living representations so vivid as to seem ready to move before you.
When we visited this museum in 1996, I saw one schoolchild touch the Rosetta Stone, which I was astonished to see out in the open surrounded only by ropes that indicated limits kids often don’t see. I shall never forget the gentle tone of the museum guide who told her that she should not touch the stone because it was "very old," and "the only one we have." Now, the Rosetta, the all-important key that led to the understanding of Egyptian hieroglyphics, is appropriately encased.
Our son’s description of the now open area that used to be the Reading Room that was available only to scholars like Karl Marx made me long to dash off for a re-visit, but it was our last day in London. This two-acre area, known as The Great Court, now the continent’s largest covered public space, was an expensive (a million and a half pounds) conversion, but adds to the democratic ambiance that this museum exuded to me in 1996.
Since this renovation, the superb collection of manuscripts is now housed separately, in its own controversial building at 96 Euston Road, NW1 (British Library). Removal of their Magna Carta, Shakespeare’s first folio, and other treasures, allowed space for this museum to develop multimedia capabilities that have opened up to Internet users virtual displays of its precious possessions, so you can plan visits. Special exhibitions cost around $8 for adults and about $5.50 for seniors, students, and children under 16. Where else could you see the Portland Vase, the Sutton Hoo hoard, a multitude of mummies, and the Halicarnassus sculptures -- just a few unique artifacts that space limits only allow me to mention? As the Museum is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year, special events and exhibits highlight its calendar.
Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun noon-6pm.
Tube : Holborn, Russell Square, Tottenham Court Road.
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