London’s museums are among the best in the world — and, amazingly, most of them are completely free to visit. But why? In this episode, we explore the history behind Britain’s free museums, from the founding of the British Museum in the 18th century to modern cultural policies that keep education open to everyone.

We’ll also visit some of London’s most famous institutions — like the Natural History Museum and the National Gallery — and take a closer look at the British Museum’s most famous treasures and the complex debates surrounding them. Finally, we’ll compare museum access around the world and ask what it means for history to truly belong to everyone.

🎙️ Have you ever visited a museum that left a lasting impression on you?

Website: https://www.sharing-english.com/podcast

Sources:

• British Museum Act of 1753

• Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (UK)

• British Museum official site

• UK National Archives: Cultural policy on free admission (2001)

• The Guardian & BBC: debates on the Elgin Marbles and Benin Bronzes

• Smithsonian Institution archives

Music: "Cherish" by Sascha Ende

Link: https://ende.app/en/song/498-cherish 

License: https://ende.app/en/standard-license