British Museum

Over his lifetime, Sir Hans Sloane collected more than 71,000 objects that he wanted preserved intact after his death. This led to the creation of the British Museum, which granted free admission to all "studious and curious persons." Today, more than 6 million people visit the museum every year, enjoying tours, exhibitions, educational programs, and the unique opportunity to handle objects from the museum's holdings. The institution has expanded over the years to accommodate its growing collections, and in 2013, it opened the World Conservation and Exhibitions Centre, which is home to Sainsbury Exhibition Gallery as well as laboratories and studios for conservation and research.