A Brief History of the British Museum
The British Museum's central London home has a 272-year-long history.
In 1778, Michael Angelo Rooker drew the gateway of Montagu House, the first site of the British Museum.
Armed with “enormous torchlights”, the art historian and the sculptor spotlit the megalithic stone moai from Rapa Nui (Easter Island), some monumental Egyptian treasures and the Parthenon Sculptures.
In March 1958, Kenneth Clark and Henry Moore took a midnight tour of the British Museum, showcasing its iconic artifacts.
This article marks the first British Museum ball, and explores the past, present, and future of the historic London institution.
Author's summary: Exploring 272 years of British Museum history.