## Highlights and Signature Objects The Rosetta Stone, a granodiorite stele inscribed in three scripts, enabled the modern decipherment of Egyptian hieroglyphs and remains one of the museum’s most visited objects. Nearby, the Parthenon Sculptures—classical Greek marble figures and friezes removed from the Athenian Acropolis—illustrate the high classical style and the complex history of collecting in the early modern period. Egyptian galleries present mummies, coffins, papyri, and monumental sculpture that document belief systems, daily life, and royal power across millennia. Assyrian reliefs and colossal winged bulls from palace sites convey the scale and narrative power of Mesopotamian art. The Sutton Hoo ship burial assemblage offers a rare window into early medieval England, while the Lewis Chessmen, carved walrus ivory figures, exemplify medieval Scandinavian craftsmanship. Other standout holdings include the Portland Vase, a cameo-glass masterpiece of Roman artistry; the Oxus Treasure of Achaemenid gold and silver; and extensive collections of Chinese ceramics, Japanese prints, African sculpture, and Oceanic regalia. Coins, medals, prints, and drawings form specialized study collections that support numismatic and graphic research. ## Collections Organization and Research Objects are arranged by geographic and cultural departments covering Africa, Oceania and the Americas, ancient Egypt and Sudan, Greece and Rome, the Middle East, Asia, and Britain, Europe and Prehistory. Temporary displays and rotating loans complement permanent galleries. A research library, study rooms, and conservation laboratories support scholarly work, while digital catalogues and imaging projects expand remote access.
The museum’s encyclopedic scope invites comparative study across cultures and eras. Curators and scientists collaborate on material analysis, provenance research, and contextual interpretation, ensuring that displays evolve with new evidence and ethical standards. ## Visitor Experience and Access Entry remains free, with timed tickets sometimes required for special exhibitions. Galleries are arranged for self-guided exploration, supported by maps, audio guides, and free talks. Educational programs serve schools and families, while adult lectures and courses deepen engagement. Accessibility features, quiet spaces, and multilingual resources aim to welcome diverse audiences. The British Museum continues to function as both a storehouse of world heritage and a living center of inquiry, its history and highlights reflecting centuries of collecting, scholarship, and public service.
