Number of British Museum visitors in London, England 2008-2019

The British Museum in London attracted over six million visitors between April 2018 and March 2019. Figures had followed a declining trend in the preceding years, before recovering in 2018/19.

International tourists attracted to London's free attractions

The British Museum is a public institution, exhibiting collections of art and artifacts related to culture and human history. It ranks as one of London's, as well as one of the UK's leading attractions based on number of visitors. As one of London's many free attractions the British museum is accessible to all, although it is most attended by the many international tourists that visit London each year.

How is the British museum funded?

As a government sponsored museum, the British Museum receives funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). As part of their cultural policy, it allows free general admission for all, therefore income from admissions to other additional exhibits is relatively low. The museum however receives a large proportion of income through fundraising or charitable giving, such as donations from individuals, charities or private companies and through membership schemes.