A brief history of the British Museum's central London home

A Brief History of the British Museum's Central London Home

The British Museum's history spans 272 years, with its latest development being the redesign of the Western Range.

In 1778, Michael Angelo Rooker drew the gateway of Montagu House, the museum's first site.

Armed with “enormous torchlights”, the art historian and the sculptor spotlit the megalithic stone moai from Rapa Nui (Easter Island), some monumental Egyptian treasures and the Parthenon Sculptures.

In March 1958, Kenneth Clark and Henry Moore took a midnight tour of the museum, highlighting its notable artifacts.

Author's summary: British Museum's 272-year history marked by redesign and notable events.

more

The Art Newspaper The Art Newspaper — 2025-10-29

More News