That blue expanse on the left of today"s homepage image is the roof of the British Museum"s Great Court and Reading Room in London. The oculus at the top of the dome is made of glass, and the ceilings within are papier-mâché. The Great Court opened in 2000, a new addition to a storied institution. Irish physician Sir Hans Sloane sold his personal collection of antiquities and books to Great Britain in the early 18th century. Sloane’s items included many books, rare manuscripts, and artifacts from around the globe, and he wanted them preserved and exhibited in public. This led to the creation of the British Museum, the world’s first national public museum, which opened this day in 1759. The collection has grown and changed significantly since then, but one detail remains: Admission to this London attraction is still free.
A personal collection becomes an institution
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Did it see its shadow?
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Space is for everyone
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National Park Week continues
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Mountain goats at Glacier National Park in Montana
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A march toward a dream
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In the Supertree Grove
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World Migratory Bird Day
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Saint Nicholas Day in Verbier, Switzerland
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Welcome to the Ring of Fire
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Jane’s Carousel delights
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Bohemian Switzerland
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Gateway to America
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Penguin Awareness Day
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It s Teacher Appreciation Week
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Oh, to sleep under the northern lights
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A stroll above the stratosphere
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Happy Cinco de Mayo!
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Wedded Rocks, Japan
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Poinsettia Day
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Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
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It’s Napping Day
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Swinging into International Jazz Day
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Kluane National Park
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Black History Month
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‘Stepping’ into Black History Month
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Sitka shines on Alaska Day
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At ease, it’s Armed Forces Day
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Rockin with the rockhoppers
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Bathing boxes at Brighton Beach, Australia
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European hedgehog