Out-of-hours tour: an introduction to the British Museum

Gallery talks & tours
Various dates
Book Out-of-hours tour: an introduction to the British Museum now

Event information

Various dates
Time: 08.50–10.00
Location: Rooms 1–2, Main entrance – Great Russell Street (WC1B 3DG)

Price

• £35
• £32 (Members)
• £32 (Concessions: students, jobseekers, disabled visitors)
• £17.50 (Ages 5–15 years)
• Free for under 5s and disabled visitors' assistant (no booking required)

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Explore the oldest room in the Museum in this special guided tour before the galleries open to the public.

Uncover the origins of an extraordinary collection as you learn about the beginnings of the British Museum in 1753 and its subsequent development. The Enlightenment gallery (Room 1) focuses on the 18th century, an era of new knowledge, scientific discovery and European colonialism. The Collecting the world gallery (Room 2) focuses on the growth of the collection from the 18th century to the present day.

This tour provides a thought-provoking introduction to the Museum, which you're free to explore afterwards.

Galleries on this tour:

• Room 1: Enlightenment
• Room 2: Collecting the world

Booking information

• The tour will begin at 09.00 and will last for 60 minutes covering multiple galleries.
• Please note that the tour will involve a considerable amount of walking and standing. Portable stools are available on request from Visitor Services when you arrive.
• This tour is recommended for adults (16+).
• Please meet at the Main entrance on Great Russell Street (WC1B 3DG) at 08.50 with your email confirmation.
• All visitors must pass through a security check, which involves a bag search.
• This tour is limited to a maximum of 20 places per session. If you would like to bring a group of 10 or more people or arrange a special out-of-hours tour, please email traveltradebookings@britishmuseum.org to discuss your options.
• Further information can be found in our FAQs section.

Scheduled dates

July 2026

• Friday 10 July, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Saturday 11 July, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Friday 17 July, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Saturday 18 July, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Saturday 25 July, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Sunday 26 July, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Friday 31 July, Times: 08.50–10.00

August 2026

• Sunday 02 August, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Friday 07 August, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Saturday 08 August, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Friday 14 August, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Saturday 15 August, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Friday 21 August, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Saturday 22 August, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Sunday 23 August, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Sunday 30 August, Times: 08.50–10.00

September 2026

• Friday 04 September, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Saturday 05 September, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Saturday 12 September, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Friday 18 September, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Saturday 19 September, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Sunday 20 September, Times: 08.50–10.00

October 2026

• Friday 02 October, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Saturday 03 October, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Friday 09 October, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Saturday 10 October, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Friday 23 October, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Sunday 25 October, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Friday 30 October, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Saturday 31 October, Times: 08.50–10.00

November 2026

• Friday 06 November, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Saturday 07 November, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Friday 13 November, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Saturday 14 November, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Sunday 15 November, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Friday 20 November, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Sunday 22 November, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Friday 27 November, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Saturday 28 November, Times: 08.50–10.00

December 2026

• Friday 04 December, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Saturday 05 December, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Friday 11 December, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Saturday 12 December, Times: 08.50–10.00
• Sunday 13 December, Times: 08.50–10.00