Every artefact is a witness. Every object carries within it the story of a life, an era, a civilisation. We are the custodians of that testimony.
We employ the world's most advanced conservation science to stabilise, restore, and safeguard objects that might otherwise be lost forever — ensuring they survive for generations to come.
Objects do not speak for themselves. Our curators, scholars, and educators translate the evidence of the past into living stories that resonate with visitors from every background.
The national heritage belongs to everyone. Free admission to our permanent collection is a founding principle — history is a public right, not a privilege reserved for the few.
Founded by Royal Charter in 1864, The National Heritage Museum began as a repository of archaeological finds from the first great age of scientific excavation. Over 160 years, it has grown into one of the world's great encyclopaedic museums — home to more than two million objects spanning 5,000 years of human civilisation.
Our mission has never changed: to preserve the artefacts of the past so that every generation may encounter history face to face. Today we receive 3.4 million visitors annually, and our digital collection reaches millions more worldwide.
Our HistoryObjects enter the collection through donation, bequest, purchase, or transfer. Each acquisition is rigorously assessed for provenance, legal title, and cultural significance.
Advanced imaging, isotopic analysis, and material science techniques reveal the age, origin, and composition of each object — building the evidence base for interpretation.
Our conservation studios stabilise fragile objects and arrest deterioration, using reversible treatments that protect artefacts while preserving the integrity of the original material.
Curators and visiting scholars conduct original research, contributing new knowledge to the academic record and enriching the stories we tell to our visitors.
Finally, objects are installed in purpose-designed gallery environments that control light, humidity, and temperature — ensuring optimal preservation and visitor experience simultaneously.
Founded by Royal Charter as the National Repository of Antiquities, with an initial collection of 4,200 objects from early archaeological surveys.
The iconic Great Hall is inaugurated, providing the first purpose-built galleries designed to display ancient artefacts in their historical context.
A landmark decision: the Museum introduces free permanent collection admission, becoming the first national institution to guarantee universal access to heritage.
The complete collection catalogue goes online, providing free public access to high-resolution images and detailed records of all 2 million objects.
Permanent collection admission is free. Special exhibitions require a ticket. We are open daily, with extended hours on Fridays.