History of British Museum London
London is known for its historical buildings, Museums, sight-seeing and its lime light buildings. It attracts millions of tourists every year that is why tourism is one of the biggest source of revenue generation in the capital. Among these attractions world famous Museums also exist in London including British Museum, science Museum, Madame Tussad’s and many more. The well known among them is the British Museum that was founded back in 1753 and at that time it was the largest public museum in the World. During its starting years, it was getting about 5000 visitors per year and the number is now grown up to 6 million visitors per year.
Instructions
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British museum came into existence after a deal between Sir Hans Sloane and King George II. Sir Hans Sloane had collected more than 71000 objects during his whole life and he wanted them to be preserved. So he offered this gift to King George II in return he asked for 20,000 pounds for his heirs. The offer was accepted and an act of parliament was issued in June 1753, which results in establishment of British Museum.
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Early nineteenth century was a major development period of British Museum. At that time British Museum was equipped with Parthenon sculptures, the Townley collection of classical sculpture. And the Rosetta stone. In 1823 king George IV gifted his father’s library to the nation; this is the building where British museum is situated today. Later in 1880 the objects related to natural history were used to establish a new Museum in south Kensington called “Science Museum”.
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In the twentieth century British Museum has seen many expansions. The first guide related to museum was published in 1903 and then later in 1911 a guide lecturer was assigned. In 1970s a publishing company of British Museum was formed and loads of new galleries were built. British library was merged with British museum in 1973 and it remains part of British Museum until 1997 when it was shifted to new building. The space vacated by the library was then used to build Queen Elizabeth II Great Court.
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In 2008/2009 four new galleries were opened in British Museum. These four public galleries include:
a) Chinese Ceramics
b) Clocks and watches
c) Europe AD 1050-1540
d) The Tomb-chapel of Nebamun
The future development plans of British Museum include establishment of ” World conservation and Exhibition Centre”.
