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1753
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The British Museum is founded with the purchase of the extensive collections of Sir Hans Sloane and the manuscripts of Robert Harley.
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1753
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The British Museum is housed in a 17th-century mansion called the Montagu House located on the site of the present museum.
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1753
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Death of Sir Hans Sloane, whose collection will form the foundation of the British Museum
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1765
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Mozart admires the artifacts in the British Museum
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1772
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The British Museum acquires the Greek vase collection of Sir William Hamilton.
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1802
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British Museum purchases Egyptian artifacts including Rosetta Stone
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1816
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British Museum acquires the Elgin Marbles
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1820
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Sir Robert Smirke produces the designs for the new British Museum buildings.
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1823
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Construction begins on the British Museum
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1823
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King George IV donates library to British Museum
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1833
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Construction of the north wing, which contains primarily books and exhibits on mineralogy and geology.
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1847
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The Front Hall of the British Museum, entered via the monumental south facade, opens to the public.
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1850
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West wing of British Museum expanded to accommodate new artifacts
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1851
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The pediment frieze, The Progress of Civilization by Richard Westmacott, is placed on the south facade of the British Museum.
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1854
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Construction of the Round Reading Room at the British Museum
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1880
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Natural history collections of the British Museum move to the new Natural History Museum
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1998
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The British Library moves from the British Museum to St Pancras.
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2000
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Great Court Completed
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2003
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British Museum celebrates 250th anniversary