The British Museum: what visitors fault when entry is free
Shared report · refreshed weekly · updated Nov 6, 2026
Crowding inside the galleries, not noise itself, drives the top complaint at The British Museum, and 61% of those complaints are about packed rooms.
OneStar read 790 Google Maps and Tripadvisor reviews of The British Museum posted from Nov 2025 to Nov 2026. Of the 790 people who reviewed The British Museum in OneStar's sample, 50% complain and 86% praise it. The top complaints about The British Museum are noise and atmosphere (34% of complaints), attraction experience (21%) and wait times (21%). In OneStar's sample of The British Museum reviews, 2% of reviewers say they won't come back. OneStar's report on The British Museum was last updated on Nov 6, 2026.
What goes wrong
Unintelligible! Please limit the number of visitors!
While it promised to be a joint project between the British Museum and the National Museum of Korea, most of the objects were from the British Museum collections.
Unfortunately the queue for almost three hours ruined the experience.
Biggest problem is this large building still does not have aircon or fan in any way!
The staff are not properly trained for interactions with members of the public and they turn what should be a pleasant visitor experience into something traumatic.
What goes well
A fascinating museum with so much history to discover.
Really enjoyed my visit, it's a fantastic place. I have a few ideas and was wondering if I could pass them along confidentially?
Highly recommend this museum. The entrance is free!
Brought my 90 year old mum with accessible needs and the staff couldn’t have been more helpful in making it a wonderful day for her - thank you.
I would do it again for the beauty of the decor, the dishes, and the service.
Reasons for quitting
The main complaint of the 13 reviewers who say they stopped or are quitting
Their categories
Yes or no questions the person who shared it asked of each review
Having to participate in a militant Palestine protest in the middle of the museum on Saturday afternoon, September 12, at 1 p.m., filled us with fear and terror.
Bayeux Tapestry. Poorly organised. Huge queue
This is not a celebration and “ story of human culture from its beginnings to the present”, it’s the celebration and normalisation of British colonialism over thousands of years.
What they use it for
128 of 790 reviewers said; shares are of them
When visiting London, The British museum is always a highly recommended location. The building is massive and I have no idea how they managed to bring in some of the exhibits , must weigh tonnes...
Visited the British Museum with family and we absolutely loved it. The kids really enjoyed all the displays and exhibitions, and there was so much to see and learn.
I was so exited to see the Bayeux Tapestry as I love medieval history. My partner bought us tickets to celebrate my birthday and we were genuinely looking forward to visiting.
What they ask for
67 reviews ask for something
Who is saying it
The biggest clear differences between audiences; 5 more with a free account
PlatformTripadvisor: say they won't come back 1.9x as often as everyone (3% vs 2%).
UseFamily and kids: say they won't come back 7.6x as often as everyone (12% vs 2%).
Made with OneStar's Google review analyzer. Run one on your own place or a competitor's, free with no card.