The British Museum opened to the public on January 15, 1759. It was founded in 1753 after Sir Hans Sloane bequeathed his collection to the nation, and an Act of Parliament established it as the first national public museum.

The British Museum has a large collection of Polynesian artifacts, including an actual moai from Easter Island, and one of three historic Heiau Ku carvings (the other two are at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA and the Bishop Museum in Honolulu). Call the museum ahead of time to ensure you will be able to see the exhibit.