The British Museum vs Tate Modern: which should you visit?
Quick answer
Choose the British Museum for Rosetta Stone and Parthenon Sculptures (Elgin Marbles) — standard admission is free. Choose Tate Modern for The Snail and CAPITAL — standard admission is free. The British Museum: Free, allow 2–4 hours; Tate Modern: Free, allow 2–3 hours.
London, United Kingdom
The British Museum
✓ Free standard admission
⏱ 2–4 hours
London, United Kingdom
Tate Modern
✓ Free standard admission; charges for special exhibitions
⏱ 2–3 hours
Side by side
| The British Museum | Tate Modern | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | London, United Kingdom | London, United Kingdom |
| Museum type | History & Archaeology | Modern & Contemporary Art |
| Admission | Free | Free |
| Free entry | Permanent collection always free · Free timed ticket recommended to guarantee entry · Friday lates free · Special exhibitions ticketed | Collection always free (no booking needed) · Exhibitions ticketed · Up to 4 under-12s free per adult at exhibitions · £5 exhibition tickets for 16–25s via Tate Collective |
| Time needed | 2–4 hours | 2–3 hours |
| Closed | — | — |
| Standout works | Rosetta Stone; Parthenon Sculptures (Elgin Marbles) | The Snail; CAPITAL |
| Good for | History Enthusiasts, Families, First-timers, Art Lovers | Art Lovers, Contemporary Art, Families, First-timers |
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 Tate Modern?
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 Tate Modern if…
Choose Tate Modern for The Snail and CAPITAL — standard admission is free. Allow 2–3 hours.
Can you visit both The British Museum and Tate Modern 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.