British Museum for free: £0 entry, 65 audio introductions and the current language list

General admission to the British Museum permanent collection costs £0. Some temporary exhibitions and events are charged separately. Booking a free ticket in advance is recommended because it gives priority at busy times. Walk-up entry remains available, but waits may be longer.

Address and opening hours

Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. Normal hours are 10am–5pm daily, with late opening until 8:30pm on Fridays. The museum closes on 24–26 December. Check the official site before travelling because individual galleries may close at short notice.

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What is free

More than 60 permanent galleries are available. The museum also runs free volunteer-led Eye-opener tours. General admission is required, but there is no separate tour charge; check the day's schedule and availability.

The app and audio guide

The British Museum Audio app itself is free to download and includes 65 free gallery introductions. A full language bundle costs £6, while themed tours cost £1.99–£2.99. Headphones are not loaned, so bring your own or buy earbuds. Free museum Wi-Fi is available, although downloading the app before arrival is safer.

Current language list

The official app page currently lists English, Chinese, Spanish, Italian, French, Korean, Japanese, German and British Sign Language. A free BSL guide is available separately. Visitors should use this current list rather than older third-party guidance.

Bags and entry

• bags are searched at the entrance;
• wheeled cases and large luggage are not allowed;
• up to nine free tickets can be booked in one online transaction;
• entrances are on Great Russell Street and Montague Place.

A free two-hour plan

Book a free slot, download the app and choose six to eight galleries rather than trying to see everything. Bring headphones and avoid travelling with a suitcase. Ask about the day's free tours on arrival. The visit does not require a paid audio bundle or a temporary-exhibition ticket.