3 hours at the British Museum

Here is a list of objects which give an insight into the variety of the Museum's collection.

Download and print itinerary     Download and print floorplan

Ground floor

The Sloane astrolabe The Sloane astrolabe
Room 1
A mechanical map of the heavens

Stone chopper from Tanzania Stone chopper from Tanzania
Room 2
The oldest object in the Museum

Rosetta Stone The Rosetta Stone
Room 4
The key to the decipherment of hieroglyphs

Colossal bust of Ramesses the GreatBust of Ramesses the Great
Room 4
A mighty pharaoh and a poet's inspiration 

Assyrian Lion Hunt reliefsAssyrian Lion Hunt reliefs
Room 10
An ancient king's triumph over nature 

Parthenon sculpturesParthenon sculptures
Room 18
Iconic sculpture from ancient Greece

Statue Hoa Hakananai'aEaster Island statue
Room 24
A colossal figure from a lost civilisation

Turquoise serpentTurquoise serpent
Room 27
Striking mosaics used by Aztec priests

Group of Tang ceramic tomb figuresTang ceramic tomb figures
Room 33
Guardians of a Chinese general

Cloisonné jar with dragonsCloisonné jar with dragons
Room 33
Made for a Ming dynasty emperor

A Jade congJade cong
Room 33
5,000-year-old mystery objects

A jade terrapinJade terrapin from Allahabad
Room 34
A majestic sculpture from India's Mughal court

Upper floor

Automated model of a ship Automated model of a ship
Room 39
An extravagant toy and technical marvel

The Lewis ChessmenThe Lewis Chessmen
Room 40
The most famous chess set in the world

Sutton Hoo ship burialThe Sutton Hoo ship burial
Room 41
Burial treasures of a Saxon warrior

Mosaic of ChristMosaic of Christ
Room 49
The earliest image of Christ in Britain

Basse Yutz flagonsBasse Yutz flagons
Room 50
Among the finest survivals of Early Celtic art

Mold ceremonial gold capeMold ceremonial gold cape
Room 51
A unique ceremonial garment

Oxus TreasureOxus Treasure
Room 52
Fabulous metalwork from Achaemenid Persia

The Flood TabletThe Flood Tablet
Room 55
The origin of Noah's ark?

The Royal Game of UrThe Royal Game of Ur
Room 56
A popular pastime in the ancient world

Mummy of KatebetMummy of Katebet
Room 63
One of the most studied Egyptian mummies

Sphinx of TaharqoSphinx of Taharqo
Room 65
A black king of Egypt

Samurai armourSamurai armour
Room 93
Military might in medieval Japan

Lower floor

King of IfeKing of Ife
Room 25
A masterpiece of African art

All objects on the list are also on the Museum Highlights audio tour.

Room numbers are on the walls by the door of each gallery. Please note that certain galleries may be closed for renovation or objects may be off display. Please ask gallery staff for further information.