Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
- Archaeology enthusiasts
- History enthusiasts
- Families with children
What Visitors Say
My daughter and I were in the area and just stumbled upon this wonderful experience. So much information packed into a small space. The staff were kind, patient, excellent with questions, and so welcoming. We got there with only an hour left until closing time yet there was no rush to get us out. Please visit and give them a hefty donation! Special mention to the university student who found us wandering on the grounds and politely escorted us to the correct location.
The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology is a hidden gem for history and archaeology enthusiasts. The collection is vast, with thousands of artifacts ranging from everyday items to intricate jewelry and pottery, all well-preserved. The displays are informative, helping visitors understand the context and significance of each piece. The museum has an intimate, slightly quirky atmosphere that makes exploring it feel like a real discovery. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, happy to answer questions. It’s a must-visit for anyone curious about ancient Egypt.
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!
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.
Superb small (but well-packed) museum, in the heart of London. Attentive and knowledgeable staff, who have a genuine passion for what they do. Free entry, although guests invited to make a donation. Great range of Egyptian archaeological items, all well lit and beautifully displayed. Would highly recommend visiting (2nd visit for us)
Highlights
Tarkhan Dress
Oldest surviving woven garmentA linen shirt from c. 3000 BC—creases and hems from a life once lived, not a pharaoh’s tomb.
Early Egypt cases, textiles section
Fayum Portraits
Ancient naturalism that stares backLifelike encaustic faces that once wrapped mummies—individuals, not icons.
Roman Egypt gallery
Tools & Everyday Tech
How civilisation is built: one tool at a timeFrom flint blades to copper chisels—micro-innovations that made pyramids possible.
Predynastic to New Kingdom cases
Amulets & Faience
Belief made portableHippos, scarabs, and protective deities mass-produced in glittering blue-green faience.
Small finds cases
Opening Hours
Fun Facts
The museum’s linen ‘Tarkhan Dress’ is over 5,000 years old—the world’s oldest tailored garment with seams and a fitted neck.
Sir Flinders Petrie pioneered ‘sequence dating’—using pottery styles to date sites—foundations of modern archaeological method.
Only around 10% of the Petrie collection is on display at any time, yet it still feels densely packed.
Similar Museums
Nearby Places
Institute of Archaeology Collections
2 min 👣
Wellcome Collection
3 min 👣
Brunei Gallery
4 min 👣
Wiener Library
5 min 👣
The Building Centre
6 min 👣
British Museum
8 min 👣
Dominion Theatre
10 min 👣
Cartoon Museum
10 min 👣
British Library
10 min 👣
Foundling Museum
10 min 👣