British Museum Building

The British Museum first opened in 1759, making it the oldest national, public and secular museum anywhere in world.  This is the front entrance.

Here's a closer look at the top of the front entrance.

This is a look out from the front entrance and provides a view of the front gates and neighboring buildings.  The architecture in London depicts a large contrast to buildings in the US.

The Great Court is enclosed.

This is the British Library Reading Room inside the museum's Great Court.

The library consist of three levels of book shelves that wrap around the dome's walls.  The photo doesn't quite match the experience of walking into this massive, beautiful structure.  (Click on the photo for a closer display of books.)