The British Museum vs The National Gallery: which should you visit?
Quick answer
Choose the British Museum for Rosetta Stone and Parthenon Sculptures (Elgin Marbles) — standard admission is free. Choose the National Gallery for The Arnolfini Portrait and The Virgin of the Rocks — standard admission is free. The British Museum: Free, allow 2–4 hours; The National Gallery: Free, allow 2–3 hours.
London, United Kingdom
The British Museum
✓ Free standard admission
⏱ 2–4 hours
London, United Kingdom
The National Gallery
✓ Free standard admission
⏱ 2–3 hours
Side by side
| The British Museum | The National Gallery | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | London, United Kingdom | London, United Kingdom |
| Museum type | History & Archaeology | Art Museum |
| Admission | Free | Free |
| Free entry | Permanent collection always free · Free timed ticket recommended to guarantee entry · Friday lates free · Special exhibitions ticketed | General admission always free · Free timed ticket optional for fast-track entry · Some exhibitions ticketed |
| Time needed | 2–4 hours | 2–3 hours |
| Closed | — | — |
| Standout works | Rosetta Stone; Parthenon Sculptures (Elgin Marbles) | The Arnolfini Portrait; The Virgin of the Rocks |
| Good for | History Enthusiasts, Families, First-timers, Art Lovers | Art Lovers, First-timers, Families, History Enthusiasts |
Facts from our verified data file (last verified 2026-09-25) — confirm on each museum's official site before travelling.
Should I visit The British Museum or The National Gallery?
Choose The British Museum if…
Choose the British Museum for Rosetta Stone and Parthenon Sculptures (Elgin Marbles) — standard admission is free. Allow 2–4 hours.
Choose The National Gallery if…
Choose the National Gallery for The Arnolfini Portrait and The Virgin of the Rocks — standard admission is free. Allow 2–3 hours.
Can you visit both The British Museum and The National Gallery in one day?
Both are in London. With 2–4 hours suggested for one and 2–3 hours for the other, combining both in a single day is ambitious — two days is more comfortable.