On one of the HOTTEST days in my entire life residing in the UK, I found myself exploring the British Museum (followed by an emergency evacuation but I’ll keep that for another story). The British Museum has a fascinating story; founded in 1753 it was the first national public museum in the world with free admission to all ‘studious and curious persons‘. Once it opened its doors, visitor numbers have grown from around 5,000 a year in the 18th century to nearly 6 million today! The origins of the British Museum lie Sir Hans Sloane (1660–1753). He was a naturalist and collector with more than 71,000 objects which he wanted to be preserved intact after his death. Without much choice left, he bequeathed the whole collection to King George II to create a display for the nation in return for a payment of £20,000 to his heirs. His gift was accepted by the King and on 7 June 1753, an Act of Parliament established the British Museum! British Museum, London
We visited the British Museum during our last trip to London back in July, thus, the summer dress and sunglasses in these pictures. But I have only just seen these images in my SIM card, so I hope you don’t mind me blogging about it today! British Museum, London
This DACAS pair of sandals were made of many layers of goat leather pinched together and stitched by hand and they were used by Somali tribes. The design of these sandals, using dyed-grass fibres suggest they may have been used for special occasions.
Originally, the museum collections consisted of books, natural specimens, coins and medals, and ethnographic material. In the early part of the nineteenth century there were a number of high profile acquisitions. These included the Rosetta Stone (1802), the Townley collection of classical sculpture (1805), and the famous Parthenon sculptures or else known as the Elgin Marbles that Elgin stole from the Parthenon in Acropolis, Greece (1816). British Museum, London
Monarchs and nobles in central Europe began to make collections of art and science in the 1500’s. These collections included expensive clocks which represented the latest technology-they were highly prized and a flourishing market developed around them!
The twentieth century the museum undergone many constructions with the most important one being the construction of the Duveen Gallery to house the Parthenon Sculptures (1939/62). British Museum, London
Inspired by the Parthenon and ancient Greece, the museum building has many of the Acropolis architecture features!
After spending the morning wandering around the floors and corridors we decided to go for some coffee and brunch at The Breakfast Club. An orange juice and good food was much needed after all this focusing and knowledge absorbing.
Before visiting The Breakfast Club I had this beautiful picture in my head of beautiful interiors and good food. I don’t usually like giving bad reviews but it really disappointed us! The music was EXTRAORDINARILY loud – you know when it’s that loud that you cannot even taste the food because your senses are confused? – and we had to ask the waitress to have the music volume a bit down only to have her saying ‘no’. People were shouting as it was impossible to hear what the other person opposite the table was saying and this added up even more to the whole loudness of the place!
The staff were very serious and it seemed like they didn’t take their job seriously and that they were in a hurry. Also, I cannot comment enough on how clean the girl who served us was not! Her nails were dirty and she hold the glasses from the top which didn’t make me think twice if I needed a straw…
The food was good and came promptly, so I suppose this is why there is such a fuss around the place, but the whole experience and atmosphere was rather disappointing. I asked my London friends if this was the usual situation and they said that the Soho one was way worse, so at least now I know where not to go next time!
London was magical and I very much enjoyed every minute of exploring it once again.
Now tell me, which is your favourite brunch place in London and most importantly have you ever been to the British Museum?
Anastasia
Anastasia is passionate about exploring new places, meeting people, lingering over dinners, hearing stories, petting dogs and studying Science! She holds a Doctorate in Biophysics and when not working in the laboratory she loves baking chocolate cakes and going on long dog walks with her puppy, Cruz.
It’s one of my favourites museums!! A great place to learn and have nice time!
Have a great day dear!! xx
La ilusión de Nina – http://lailusiondenina.blogspot.com/
Author
Thank you Nina! It’s a nice place to start your cultural trip to London 🙂
What a beautiful museum! I am obsessed with spending time at museums and art galleries. I could stroll through them for hours.
-Emily http://www.coatandcoffee.com
Author
Same here Emily, I love a good stroll around a gallery. It’s just so nice to pay attention to all the art and history!
I have never visited the British Museum, even though everytime we visit London I promise myself that we will do! Your photography is amazing!!!
Ella x
Author
You should! It’s a great place!
Your dress is so beautiful!!! Where did you get it from? I miss your daily outfit posts that you did a few years back…
Author
Thank you Jenna, it is from Joules CLothing! I might start posting more about my outfits again 🙂
You convinced me! I am all about cultural travel and I would really enjoy having the museum to myself!
Author
Haha, I am glad I did! 🙂
Are these Turkish eggs that you had for brunch? They look delicious!
Author
Hi Sarah, Yes the were!
x
Usually I don’t visit a lot of museum, this one though looks fantastic! Brunch is one of my favourite meals, I love to sit and eat and talk all morning 😉
xx Simone
Little Glittery Box
Author
Hehe, same here Simone. I love a good day at the museum and a good brunch!
x
I’m so glad you found these photos because they’re amazing! I haven’t been to the British Museum since I was a kid, I really need to go back as an adult who can actually show some interest in reading the plaques. I’ve always wanted to brunch at The Breakfast Club but I’m yet to make it x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Author
I am so glad to hear you liked my post Sophie. I totally agree that the British Museum is a great place to be, their exhibitions are worth the visit!
x
Well doesn’t brunch look delish!! Great post x
Tiffany Tales | Lifestyle & Beauty
Author
The food was really good, shame for the loud music and service though 🙁
x
Oh the british museum looks so fabulous in your pics – love the lighting and that it looks so historical yet modern! 🙂
And sorry to hear about your experience at the breakfast club..I’ve been there several times in the soho branch and liked it a lot. But maybe it really depends on the staff then…
♥
Tina
Author
Hi Tina,
I am so glad you like my photography. It was a beautiful, sunny day so natural lighting made everything look so much more appealing 🙂
It was such a disappointment at The Breakfast Club, I think I had my expectations very high, but definitely I agree that it depends on the staff rotation, or perhaps it just happened to be a bad day!
x
These cakes look delicious, so glad you had such a fun day in London!
Cat
Author
Thank you Cat. It was a lovely day indeed 🙂
I have not been to the British Museum but I would like to go someday! Also, that is a stunning dress! The colors on it are perfect <3
http://jessysfashionbook.com
Author
If you ever visit please let me know and I’ll give you a few tips about the area too! Thank you, it’s one of my favourite dresses!
x
I love, love your dress! The epitome of cuteness!
x
Author
Awww thank you so much! x
Beautiful post Anastasia, I love all things London and anything that features British culture. Thank you for sharing x
Amanda
Author
Thank you for your kind comment Amanda. London is a great place, isn’t it?x
London is so amazing! 😀 I’ve never been to the British Museum though, but it looks wonderful! And I’m really curious to the evacuation thing now 😀
Your dress looks amazing BTW!
Xo Noor
http://www.nonstopnoor.com