The British Museum contains some of the world's greatest treasures. Entering the Great Hall is an experience in itself, as the Norman Foster designed undulating 'spider's web' of triangulated glazing is simply stunning. The number of people photographing it is testament to it's amazing design. The almost white stone interior give the Hall a bright and airy feel. The artefacts on display from many countries and cultures, are of course, the main attraction and the mummies and skeletons of ancient Egypt drew squeals of delight and disgust in equal measure from the hordes of visiting schoolchildren,… and some adults! The two star exhibits for me, however, were the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon Marble friezes. The discovery and study of the Rosetta Stone with it's insciption in three contemporary languages, led to the deciphering of Egyptian heiroglyphics and a far greater understanding of that culture. The beautiful and sympathetically created Parthenon Gallery shows off the exquisite carvings in a near natural setting and is so well done. You could easily spend a day here and there is a restaurant and cafes here to allow you to do just that. Best of all, entry is free and there are excellent facilities for the less abled visitor. An audio tour with headsets is available too.
