The British Museum, located in the city of London, United Kingdom, is one of the most prominent and visited museums in the world. Its vast collections cover a wide range of disciplines, including history, archaeology, ethnography and art.

The museum, considered one of the first of its kind in Europe and the first national museum in the world, houses more than eight million objects from every continent. However, many of these objects are kept in storage for study, restoration or simply for lack of space to display them. In addition, the British Museum previously housed most of the British Library until it moved to its current location in 1973, as well as the Natural History Museum in London until its relocation in 1963.

The museum's Ancient Egypt section is one of the most prominent in the world, second only to that of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Admission to the museum and many of its services, such as the reading room, is free, although some temporary exhibitions may have a cost.

The museum has its roots in the private collection of more than 80,000 items of the physician and naturalist Sir Hans Sloane, who donated his collection to the British state in 1753. This collection included a wide range of objects, from books and manuscripts to antiquities from around the world. The acquisition of this collection by the British government was financed through a public lottery organized by Parliament.

Since its opening in 1759 in Montagu Manor, the museum has experienced continuous growth through donations and acquisitions. The move to its current location was necessitated by a lack of space in Montagu House and was designed by architect Robert Smirke.

The British Museum has been a center of research and study, attracting numerous curators and historians over the years. The museum's collection ranges from prehistoric antiquities to modern art, including masterpieces from diverse cultures and historical periods.

The museum has expanded over time, with the opening of the Norman Foster-designed Queen Elizabeth II Great Atrium in 2000. This impressive central space, located on the site of the former British Library, features the largest glass and steel roof in Europe and houses the museum's reading room, which has been visited by prominent figures throughout history.

The British Museum is organized into ten departments, each devoted to specific areas of interest, from Greek and Roman antiquities to Asian art and prints and drawings. The museum's collection is an invaluable source of knowledge and inspiration for visitors from around the world.