The British Museum displays collections from the around the world giving viewers the opportunity to learn about the past and different cultures. Ever expanding, the museum has recently gained four new galleries and plans to open a World Conservation & Exhibitions Centre.

The British museum began with the collector Sir Hans Sloane, a naturalist and physician by profession. Sloane had a curious eye and over the years acquired thousands of historical items. The collection was considered to have enormous public benefit, so the British Museum was created.

First open to the public in 1759, the museum was an original, providing knowledge and amusement for anyone wishing to visit, and created a standard that other London museums followed.

Income 2009: £84.5m