The British Museum and The Great Court

The Great Court, in The British Museum, London, opened to the public for the first time in December 2000. Inaccessible for 150 years, this glass covered area surrounding the British Library Reading Room had previously been filled with large stacks of books, home to the Library's ever expanding collection. Since the Library re-located to St. Pancras in 1998, this space became available and so this incredibly intricate construction started to take shape. The roof consists of 3,312 glass panes, each one unique in shape and size, held in a lattice of steel struts and supports. This creates the largest covered square in Europe, which contains 12 sculptures, a cafeteria, restaurant, book and souvenir shop, and is open daily free of charge. Together with the extensive collections in the Museum Galleries, this is an attraction well worth visiting whilst in London.

For more information, opening times, etc. visit The British Museum website

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