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Definition: British Museum from Philip's Encyclopedia

One of the world's greatest public collections of art, ethnography, and archaeology (established 1753). Its first displays came from a private collection purchased from the naturalist, Sir Hans Sloane. Later additions included the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles. The present building by Sir Robert Smirke was completed in 1847.

British Museum

From The Columbia Encyclopedia
the national repository in London for treasures in science and art. Located in the Bloomsbury section of the city, it has departments of antiquities, prints and drawings, coins and medals, and ethnography. The museum was established by act of Parliament in 1753 when the collection of Sir Hans Sloane , begun in the previous century and called the Cabinet of Curiosities, was purchased by the government and was joined with the Cotton collection (see Cotton, Sir Robert Bruce ) and the Harleian Library (see also Harley, Robert ). In 1757 the royal library was given to the museum by George II. The museum was opened in 1759 under its present name in Montague House, but the acquisition of the library of George III in 1823 necessitated larger quarters. The first wing of the new building was completed in 1829, the quadrangle in 1852, and the great domed Reading Room in 1857. Later, other additions were built. Long a part of the museum, the British Library was established as a separate entity by…
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Full text Article British Museum

From The Columbia Encyclopedia
the national repository in London for treasures in science and art. Located in the Bloomsbury section of the city, it has departments of antiquities, prints and drawings, coins and medals, and ethnography. The museum was established by act of Parliament in 1753 when the collection of Sir Hans Sloane…
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Main Facade, British Museum
Architect: Sir Robert Smirke Completed: 1827 (begun 1823) Location: Bloomsbury, London, England Style/Period: Greek Revival Although the British Museum first opened its doors at Montagu House in the Bloomsbury district of London in 1759, the iconic facade that makes it instantly recognizable…
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Full text Article British Museum

From Britannica Concise Encyclopedia
Britain’s national museum of archaeology and antiquities, established in London in 1753 when the government purchased three large private collections consisting of books, manuscripts, prints, drawings, paintings, medals, coins, seals, cameos, and natural curiosities. In 1881 the natural-history…
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Full text Article British Museum

From The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia with Atlas and Weather Guide
Largest museum of the UK. Founded in 1753, it opened in London in 1759, devoted to human cultures. Rapid additions led to the construction of the present buildings (1823–47). In 1881 the Natural History Museum was transferred to South Kensington. The museum began with the purchase of British…
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Round Reading Room, British Museum
Architect: Sydney Smirke Completed: 1857 Location:Bloomsbury, London, England Style/Period: Neoclassical By the early 1850s the British Museum's library was fast running out of shelving space to house its burgeoning collection of books. Sir Antonio Panizzi, then Keeper of Printed Books, had the idea…
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Full text Article British Museum and Library.

From The Oxford Companion to British History
Founded in 1753 to house three historic collections (Cotton, Harley, Sloane) of books, manuscripts, and curiosities acquired by the nation, the museum was funded by public lottery and established in Montagu House, Bloomsbury, ‘for publick use to all Posterity’. Created in the era of the…
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Full text Article British Museum

From The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia with Atlas and Weather Guide
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The Sixth Reading Room of The British Museum, published in 'London Interiors', 1841 (engraving)
Artist: Shepherd, Thomas Hosmer (1792-1864) (after) Location: Private Collection Credit: The Sixth Reading Room of The British Museum, published in 'London Interiors', 1841 (engraving), Shepherd, Thomas Hosmer (1792-1864) (after) / Private Collection / The Bridgeman Art Library Date: 1841 Medium: …
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Full text Article The British Museum (photo)

From Bridgeman Images: The Bridgeman Art Library
The British Museum (photo)
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Full text Article British Museum

From Collins English Dictionary
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