Nestled at the heart of the British Museum in London’s Bloomsbury district, the Great Court stands as Europe’s largest covered public square. Spanning approximately 6,100 square meters, this impressive two-acre space allows visitors to freely circulate around the main floor, a feature that was impossible for over 150 years. The area is enclosed by a remarkable glass and steel roof, designed by the internationally acclaimed architectural firm Foster and Partners.
The roof itself is an engineering marvel, composed of 3,212 uniquely shaped panes of glass that form a self-supporting lattice structure. This innovative design incorporates special “fritting” to filter ultraviolet rays and reduce heat inside the court. The engineering was completed through collaboration with Buro Happold, with an Austrian company producing the intricate steel work. The roof spans an impressive 96 by 72 metres with no visible supports that would detract from the classical façades.
An architectural triumph where 3,212 unique glass panes unite to create a self-supporting marvel of modern engineering.
Originally intended as a garden when the British Museum was constructed in the mid-19th century, the quadrangle later housed bookstacks and the Museum’s library department from 1852. After the library relocated to the British Library at St Pancras in 1997, the space became available for redevelopment. Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the completed Great Court on December 6, 2000.
At the center of the Court sits the restored Reading Room, returned to its original 1857 appearance. This room now contains a modern reference library with approximately 25,000 books. The Court serves as the main visitor hub, providing access points to various Museum galleries and offering amenities including a bookshop, café, information center, exhibition spaces, and a restaurant on mezzanine levels.
Beneath the floor, visitors can find educational facilities including two auditoria with seating for 350 and 150 people. The comprehensive Clore Centre for Education provides dedicated spaces for art activities and educational programming for visitors of all ages. The open design notably improves visitor flow and accessibility throughout the museum.
Since its opening, the Great Court has welcomed over 113 million visitors and continues to serve as an exemplary blend of neoclassical architecture and contemporary innovation. This impressive public space is free and open daily, providing an exceptional starting point for exploring the treasures of the British Museum. Visitors can easily access the museum via several nearby Underground stations including Tottenham Court Road and Russell Square.
