Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
A treasure trove of 80,000+ Egyptian and Sudanese artifacts, including the world's oldest woven garment. A free, intimate glimpse into ancient life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A treasure trove of 80,000+ Egyptian and Sudanese artifacts, including the world's oldest woven garment. A free, intimate glimpse into ancient life.
"It was so much larger than I imagined, with an incredible collection of all things ancient Egypt."
🎯 Free Admission Gem
Enjoy this incredible collection without spending a penny! A true budget-friendly London experience.
📍 Hidden Entrance Alert
It's within UCL gates, so look carefully for signs to avoid missing this treasure.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 702 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Tarkhan Dress
Ancient Egyptian Clothing Display
Discover the world's oldest woven garment, a 5,000-year-old linen dress. A true marvel of ancient craftsmanship.
Everyday Ancient Life
Various Display Cases
See amulets, jewelry, makeup pots, and children's games that reveal the daily lives of ordinary Egyptians.
Ancient Textiles
Ancient Egyptian Textiles Display
Marvel at the oldest found knitwear and ancient nalbinding techniques, predating modern knitting.
Wooden Combs & Cat Figures
Ancient Egyptian Personal Items
Explore intricate wooden combs, some featuring charming cat motifs from ancient Egypt.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Big Impact
Plan Your Visit Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission Gem
Enjoy this incredible collection without spending a penny! A true budget-friendly London experience. +1
📍 Hidden Entrance Alert
It's within UCL gates, so look carefully for signs to avoid missing this treasure.
⏳ Allow ample time
With 80,000 objects, you'll want at least 1-2 hours to explore its depth.
📸 Photography Friendly
Capture the ancient wonders! Most areas allow photography, but check for any restrictions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission Gem
Enjoy this incredible collection without spending a penny! A true budget-friendly London experience. +1
📍 Hidden Entrance Alert
It's within UCL gates, so look carefully for signs to avoid missing this treasure.
⏳ Allow ample time
With 80,000 objects, you'll want at least 1-2 hours to explore its depth.
📸 Photography Friendly
Capture the ancient wonders! Most areas allow photography, but check for any restrictions.
📚 Educational Insights
Perfect for history buffs and students; the displays offer deep dives into ancient Egyptian life.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Petrie Museum as a 'hidden gem' with an 'incredible collection' of Egyptian and Sudanese artifacts, offering a more intimate and less crowded experience than larger museums. The staff are noted as 'lovely, welcoming and helpful.' While some mention the trek to restrooms, this is often attributed to temporary renovations. Overall, it's highly recommended for anyone with an interest in ancient history.
"I liked this small museum, staff are lovely, welcoming and helpful. The collection is interesting and has some fantastic pieces such as the linen clothes and wide range of statues, necklaces and fragments. Only loses one star as toilets were trek but they were being painted due to summer, so this is not normally an issue. It's inside some gates so I missed it and had to go back. Well worth a look."
Evil Edna
"The Petrie Museum has become one of my personal favourites in London. It was so much larger than I imagined, with an incredible collection of all things ancient Egypt. I feel like you could visit a dozen times and still find new things. I will definitely be back and highly recommend visiting!"
Nicole Lalonde
"The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology truly is a hidden gem. It’s a small intimate space that contains a wealth of fascinating artefacts.
Many of these items paint a picture of the day to day lives of ordinary ancient Egyptians. I found it quite moving to see these items up close in such a quiet setting. These artefacts include amulets, beaded necklaces, clothing, sandals, make up pots and children’s games amongst many more curiosities. I have been to many ancient Egyptian exhibitions but saw items here that I’d never seen before and were truly unique and fascinating!
I’d encourage anyone with even a passing interest in ancient Egypt or archaeology to visit here.
A very belated thanks to Flinders Petrie and Amelia Edwards for making this collection available today!"
Louise Watson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Petrie Museum is located within University College London (UCL) in Bloomsbury. The nearest tube stations are Euston Square, Russell Square, and Warren Street. From these stations, it's a short walk to the UCL campus. +1
Yes, it's well-served by London Underground lines. Several bus routes also stop near UCL, making it convenient to reach via public transport.
Driving in central London can be challenging due to traffic and parking restrictions. Public transport is generally recommended for easier access.
Limited on-street parking may be available, but it's often expensive and difficult to find. UCL may have some visitor parking, but it's best to check their official website for details.
The closest tube stations are Euston Square (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan lines), Russell Square (Piccadilly line), and Warren Street (Northern, Victoria lines).
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology is completely free! This makes it a fantastic option for a budget-friendly day out in London. +1
The museum is typically open Monday to Friday, from 10 AM to 5 PM. It's always a good idea to check the official UCL Museums website for the most up-to-date opening hours before your visit, as these can sometimes change.
Generally, no booking is required for general admission as it's free. However, for special events or group visits, it's advisable to check the museum's website for any specific booking procedures.
Admission is free for all visitors. You can explore its extensive collection of Egyptian and Sudanese artifacts without any charge. +1
The Petrie Museum is typically open on weekdays only. It is usually closed on Saturdays and Sundays, so plan your visit accordingly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum houses over 80,000 objects, including the Tarkhan Dress (world's oldest woven garment), ancient Egyptian and Sudanese artifacts, pottery, jewelry, tools, mummies, and everyday items. +3
While free, it's a 'hidden gem' and often less crowded than larger museums like the British Museum, especially on weekdays. Arriving early can help avoid any small queues.
Yes, photography is generally permitted for personal use, allowing you to capture the fascinating artifacts. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage.
Most visitors spend between 1 to 2 hours exploring the collection. Given the sheer number of artifacts, you could easily spend longer if you're deeply interested in ancient history.
While not always advertised, UCL sometimes offers special events or talks. It's best to check the official UCL Museums website for any scheduled tours or events.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Petrie Museum itself does not have a cafe or restaurant. However, being part of UCL, there are likely several cafes and eateries within the university campus that you can access.
The Bloomsbury area surrounding UCL has numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines and price points. You'll find plenty of options within a short walking distance.
It's generally advisable to consume food and drinks outside of the exhibition areas to protect the artifacts. There might be designated areas within UCL for eating.
Yes, the Bloomsbury area offers many affordable options, including sandwich shops, bakeries, and casual eateries, catering to students and budget-conscious visitors.
You'll find a diverse culinary scene, from traditional British pubs to international cuisine like Italian, Indian, and Middle Eastern, as well as quick grab-and-go options.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography for personal use is generally allowed inside the Petrie Museum. It's a great way to capture the unique artifacts.
While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography as it can damage delicate artifacts over time. Always be respectful of other visitors and any specific signage indicating restricted areas.
The Tarkhan Dress, ancient jewelry, intricate carvings, the oldest knitwear, and the detailed everyday objects like makeup pots and sandals are all highly photogenic. +2
Absolutely! Most smartphones have excellent cameras that can capture the details of the artifacts. Focus on good lighting and composition.
Check out Instagram and TikTok for inspiration from other visitors. Searching hashtags like #PetrieMuseum or #EgyptianArchaeology can give you great ideas. +1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit