The British Museum was founded in 1753 with a simple mission statement: to preserve its collection 'for the use and benefit of the public, who may have free access to view and peruse the same.' It also aimed to present a universal collection, drawing on all categories of human history, culture and knowledge.
Nothing remains of the original home of the Museum, Montague House, as it could no longer sustain the number of objects or the rate of footfall required of it, but the Museum has remained open on the same spot ever since. In 1827 new building plans by architect Sir Robert Smirke were approved. Gradually the old building was demolished and new purpose built Museum premises were constructed by 1857.
Changes continued throughout the nineteenth century but the latest iconic addition to the Museum was the development of the Great Court and the construction of its billowing Norman Forster roof in 2000.
BKC7500
British Museum Frontage Metal Bookmark
is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
