Whether your kids are into Egyptology, are doing a school project or you want to simply explore somewhere a bit different, the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology might just tick your boxes. Less crowded than the British Museum, the Petrie Museum allows you to get up close with a wide range of Ancient Egyptian artefacts. Find out everything you need to know about visiting the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology with children in this guide.
If your child is learning about Ancient Egypt at school, don’t miss our post Things to do in London with kids who are learning about ancient Egypt.
The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology: the essentials
What is the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology?
The Petrie Museum, established in 1892 at University College London (UCL), began as a teaching resource for Egyptian Archaeology and Philology through the bequest of writer Amelia Edwards, who donated hundreds of Egyptian antiquities and her library.
The museum’s collection achieved international significance largely due to William Flinders Petrie, the first Edwards Professor, who excavated numerous major Egyptian sites including Hawara’s Roman cemeteries, the city of Amarna, and the Meydum pyramid, before selling his extensive collection to UCL in 1913.
Initially serving primarily academic audiences, the museum’s collection was further expanded by Petrie’s successors, survived relocation during World War II, and since the 1950s has been housed in a former stable building. It is now open to the general public.
Where is the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology?
The Petrie Museum is located in one of UCL’s buildings. It is located in the Fitzrovia neighbourhood in London. It is located just a short distance from Euston Station and not far from the British Museum.
How much does it cost to go in the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology?
Entrance to the Petrie Museum is free.
Do you need tickets for the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology?
The Petrie Museum does not operate ticketed entry, entrance is for walk-ins only.
When is the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology open?
The Petrie Museum is open:
Tuesday – Friday: 13.00-17.00
Saturday: 11.00-17.00
Getting to the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
What is the nearest tube to the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology?
The nearest Tube stations to the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology is Euston Square (Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan Lines).
Also nearby are Warren Street (Northern and Victoria Lines), Goodge Street (Northern Line) and Euston (Northern and Victoria Line and National Rail Services).
Several bus routes also stop nearby.
How do you get into the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology?
The entrance to the Petrie Museum is on Malet Place, which can be accessed on foot via Torrington Place (through a set of iron gates at the end of Malet Place). Look out for the sign which highlights the entrance.
The main access to the Petrie Museum is via a staircase, but there is access without the need to use the stairs via a lift in the adjacent Science Library. Instructions on how to gain access are detailed here.
Do I have to queue for the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology?
Unless you arrive before it opens, there is no need to queue for entrance to the Petrie Museum.
At the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
What is there to see at the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology?
The Petrie Museum collection includes a wide range of everyday objects from ancient Egyptian life, including:
- the world’s oldest dress (the Tarkhan dress),
- early examples of metal and weaving;
- and ancient papyrus documents.
Notable highlights for children include sarcophagi, mummy masks and a range of objects that they will recognise as being similar to those that they might use and be familiar with today, including toys, jewellery and sandals.
Do note that the museum has a human skeleton on display.
What facilities are there for children at the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology?
The Petrie Museum is a small museum that isn’t aimed specifically at children, but it is welcoming towards children (it even has a very small gift shop). Inside, in the middle of the space you will find two tables with chairs and you are welcome to sit there and draw some of the things you have seen (take your own paper and pencils). When we visited there was a family doing just that.
If you have a primary school child, the museum has a range of materials online aimed at school groups but which could be used by individuals, including a scavenger hunt.
Single-sex toilet facilities are available via key access from the museum. A gender-neutral accessible toilet is available on the ground floor of the adjacent Science Library. Breastfeeding and bottle feeding are welcome in our museum spaces.
How long can you spend at the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology?
There’s no limit on how long you can spend there. Anticipate spending between 30-60 minutes there, depending on how interested your child is in the various exhibits.
Can you eat in the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology?
No.
Is there a question you have about visiting the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology with children that we haven’t answered here? Let us know in the comments and we’ll do our best to address it.
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