18 August 2009

The Great Museums Of London

By Olive Jillian Carter

Throughout Britain there are museums of pretty much every variety you can think of. Even just the ones in London would easily take more than a day to see to their full extent. Here I will go over the highlights of some of the museums of note in London.

The British Museum is home to some of the worlds most incredible historical artifacts and art collections from all corners of the globe. The exhibitions show over two million years of human history from the earliest, most basic advancements, to medieval ironworks, along with an astounding amount of factual information, the experience of the British Museum will be enlightening and inspiring for all.

The Bank of England Museums historical displays include artifacts drawn from the Bank's own collections of books, documents, silver, prints, paintings, banknotes, coins and photographs. There is a display of gold, including Roman and modern gold bars, alongside pikes and muskets once used to defend the Bank. Computer technology and audio visual displays explain the Bank's present day role.

The Design Museum is one of the world's leading museums of modern and contemporary design with a goal to excite everyone about design. Since its foundation in 1989, the museum has won international recognition for exhibitions on modern design, history and contemporary design, for Designer of the Year.

The Imperial War Museum: In 1917, the Cabinet decided that a National War Museum should be built to house and display relics of the Great War which at the time was still underway. The title of Imperial War Museum came from the interest of the Dominion Governments. It was officially established in 1920 and was appointed a governing board of trustees.

Madam Tussauds is now a famous name because of the museum (which was intended as a tribute to her) that displays ultra-life like wax models. The chamber of horrors got given its name by Punch magazine when they say the collection of gruesome French revolution wax depictions. By the year of her death, 1850, she has received massive acclaim and success and would be remembered for a long time to come.

Although the origins of the Natural History Museum go back more than 250 years, it first opened its doors to the public on Easter Monday in 1881. It all started when Sir Hans Sloane, who was a physician and collector of natural curiosities, left his extensive collection to the nation in 1753.Originally Sloane's specimens formed part of the British Museum, but as other collections were added, including specimens collected by botanist Joseph Banks on his 1768-1771 voyage with Captain James Cook aboard HMS Endeavour, the natural history elements started to need their own home. Sir Richard Owen, Superintendent of the British Museum's natural history collection, persuaded the Government that a new museum was needed.

If you visit London and want to visit all of these great places, then to get the most out of them it is likely to take you more than one day. For any trip to be truly enjoyable, a top quality place to stay is a vital ingredient. There are lots of brilliant hotels spread all throughout London and most of them are right by a lot of these great places.

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