I sometimes get very sleepy in museums, but not this one! Meant to write this review a month ago, now I'm longing to go back and see it again. It's magical, it really is. I wrote some notes for future visitors... 1) it doesn't look like a museum. You actually enter inside the university complex (it's like a big courtyard) but have no fear, Google maps will guide you to the right place. Look for the door next to the takeaway pizza place (the pizzas are very good apparently) then you have to walk up some stairs to get there. 2) The staff are super friendly, lots of lively banter and it kind of made my visit. 3) There's a huge collection of all sorts of things. It's more your everyday Egypt, not just Pharaohs and gold things. Which made it more human to me and bridged the time gap... You can hardly believe that what you are looking at is thousands and thousands of years old. It's astounding. And there's so much of it!!! Not only the artefacts which are on display, there are drawers of undisplayed pieces too, which you are free to look at too. 4) I think a few earlier (much earlier) pieces may have sneaked in. But that's just my very inexpert opinion. See pic.. I'd be glad to know for sure. 5) You can take photos and videos, as much as you like. 6) It's free, yay!

A fantastic collection, a must see for anyone with any interest in ancient Egypt. With its location in Bloomsbury, you can go right after seeing the British Museum's Egyptian collections. Entry is always free. Friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable staff make a visit that much better. Some say this two room museum, which houses some 80,600 artifacts, is too densely filled, but I think that's a good thing as I see something new every time I'm there. It's a great place for adults or children. In addition to free trails for all ages and more kid-orientated activities during opening hours, the Petrie hosts a number of evening events. They are usually aimed at adults but there are fairly frequent family events as well. Most are free and those that are not usually include refreshments in the small price of entry. A schedule can be found online, comes up on a google search, or on leaflets at the museum. Step-free access is available through the building next door, just read the sign on the door, ring the bell, and someone will come down to show you the way.

The Petrie Museum is part of the University College of London museums and collections, exhibiting artefacts from ancient Egypt. The entrance is a little awkward to find as it's not on the main road, but actually inside the university grounds. Then to get in there's a 2 flights of steps stairs. Although there were notices stating that those with mobility just needed to call the offices for help to get into the museum, and I did see wheel chairs in the museum as well. Inside, the museum is small, but with an incredible about of items packed into it. Supposedly 80,000 items in total. Obviously not everything is on display. What is, is incredible well organised and well labeled. My personal favourite items were the "Bead Net Dress", "Mummy Portraits" and "Shabtis", which I think are all must see. Petrie is probably not as well known as other major tourist destinations like the British Museum or even the UCL itself, but it's certainly no ugly sister and I highly recommend a visit. The staff a friendly and helpful.

A gorgeous museum that’s more than worth the hour and a half that it takes to explore everything. The items in the collection range from the everyday (jewellery and pottery) to an beautiful collection of funereal artefacts like sarcophagi and shabtis. It’s a small space with a huge array of items, so unlike many other museums, there’s not as much in the way of explanatory notes and displays with each item - but the staff are very helpful and able to answer any questions you might have. There’s a lot of information about the formation of the collection and Amelia Edwards, who donated the first items in the collection. Would recommend to anyone but perhaps not to those with young kids, as many of the aisles are quite narrow! Has toilets and a small gift shop.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

My sister is fascinated by Egyptian Archaeology, and whilst looking for a treat for her I came across this Museum. It is a lot smaller than the British Museum (which we regularly visit), but to our surprise it was actually nicer, quieter, and the objects were so close I feel like I could actually touch them! The items vary in size but are mostly small everyday household objects which I could vision them using back in the days. Overall, it was very eye opening and educational, and well worth a visit. Small, but with thousands of objects to look at. What made the visit even more special were the wonderful and informative staff who took time out to chat with us about anything and everything related - special thanks to Lisa and Helen. And a very extra special mention to Andrea. Thanks and look forward to seeing you again. Vee & Min

An extraordinary gem. Tucked away in a corner of the UCL site & up several flights of stairs (accessible access can be arranged). The Hawara Mummy Portraits, one of the oldest woven items of clothing from Egypt in the world, a pot burial, and another 80,000 objects from Egypt and Sudan. Beadwork, pottery, shoes - inspiring items that make you rethink. The collection is of course no longer being expanded, and it's right that we should reflect on the origins of such collections, but we are so lucky to have this resource in central London to learn from.

Wonderful museum to visit. Staff are passionate and knowledgeable about Egyptian treasures and history of museum. Was made to feel welcome from the moment I walked in. For me it was amazing to find that all pieces came from and around Fayoum on the edge of the Western Desert. As I have visited there so many times. Although it is a small museum it holds so much interesting pieces. I would highly recommend a visit to this wonderful museum. Entrance is Free but donations are warmly welcomed
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

100% visit this place! Hidden within the UCL university campus this museum holds hundreds of amazing pieces with another 8000 not on display in the archives. The staff are incredibly friendly- bubbly and enthusiastic. The artefacts are well displayed. The collection is astounding. So many pieces within 2-3 rooms. It is an exceptional collection pioneered by women. For all who are interested- this is a must see museum. Entry is free. Book online in advance if possible as there is a max of 10 allowed inside at anyone time.

A TRUE HIDDEN GEM! The Petrie Museum is a small, quiet space that's positively loaded with artifacts from Ancient Egypt. Visiting the museum felt kind of like opening Indiana Jones's filing cabinet or storage locker. Many of the artifacts are broken or in fragments but I was astonished to see items with their original, bold paint or intact gold threads. If you are interested in Ancient Eqypt or related subjects, this free museum is a MUST SEE!!!!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

This tiny London museum is a hidden gem! I was gobsmacked at the collection, which includes hieroglyphics, stone age tools, ancient toys, and amazing sarcophagi. Photos cannot do this place justice. Reviews can't begin to detail the amazing treasures. Just breathtaking. Admission is free, but they do take donations. I happened to be there just before they started a tour -- bonus!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

An amazing museum, fantastic collection. Some artefacts date back to thousands of years (probably even more). The whole experience was unforgettable thanks to Victoria who took us through the marvellous history of ancient Egypt and Sudan. Victoria, who was volunteering at the museum, was a wonderful guide, very eager to assist and answer all the question. Definitely worth visiting, you’ll travel back in time
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

More than 8000 objects on display here, the life's work of William Petrie and Amelia Edwards, Egyptologists. Unlike collections in the British Museum, these are mainly small day to day household objects ,in common use There are 10 highlighted items, including the oldest complete dress in the world.The mummy portraits are stunning as well. There is even a rat trap! A very educational visit, so much to take in, that another visit is required.

Small but really interesting museum if you're interested in Egyptian history with super nice staff. There are a lot of items (more than you might inside in such a small museum and maybe it could be a little better curated), but many of the pieces are in really excellent condition (better than other world class museums) and there's a nice short guide that you're given that highlights a few of the hallmark pieces. Great to kill an hour or so.

Walk towards the engineering department of the UCL and you will find it on the same lane. It is not the largest exhibition but you can easily spend more than an hour admiring the collection! You will discover pots, jewellery, inscriptions and sarcophagus from various periods of ancient Egypt! Cherry on the top, the entrance is free! A true hidden gem!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Excellent place to visit, so glad I managed to find this museum and spent some time here, the staff are super friendly, informative and helpful, museum is free but I'm sure donations appreciated as they really could be doing with larger premises to help display their treasure trove of items, an excellent collection of history that deserves a permanent location.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I've seen many an Ancient Egyptian artifact, including in the country itself, but this little museum still had me captivated. There were items here so different to anything I had seen before. It felt much more honest, less 'showy' and, despite its small size I spent over and hour gawking at the range of artifacts. The staff were really friendly and informative too.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Literal treasure trove of (primarily) the small everyday items that Petrie's teams found during their excavations. It's charmingly displayed in its original Victorian style cabinets and there's just way too much too look at individually. It's a wonderful opportunity to marvel at the more intimate and humble items if Egyptian life.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

This museum has a rich and beautiful collection. Although the space is not very big, various aspects of ancient Egypt are displayed with different types of artefacts. It includes important collections such as fabrics. Well worth a look. It takes one to two hours to read the detailed description of the collection. The staff are also very friendly and photography is allowed but please do not use flash.

Another hidden gem in London at UCL, the Petrie museum is an extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts from time periods often not displayed at other museums. Also contains items from other civilisations that influenced or were parallel to the Egyptians. Spent a couple hours here. Worth a visit.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The Petrie museum is situated in the London university buildings in central London. It has an enormous collection of Egyptian artefacts which are well catalogued and well displayed. They have a leaflet documenting the ten 10 exhibits. Entrance is free, and there are books for sale. The entrance to the museum is up a flight of stairs, not immediately obvious from the front door.

Absolutely the best museum I have been to during my London stay. I love Egyptian Archaeology and history and this is the best display I have seen. If Google maps hadn't brought this up when I was looking for something else, I would never have known about it. It's "hidden" in a lane within UCL. 10/10 would go again if I had time. Is free entry, but so worth the donation I left.

What a great little find. Tucked down a lane that goes through UCL. The museum is open to the public though it’s on campus. It’s free to enter but you can leave a donation if you wish. The museum is a few rooms densely packed with artefacts of all kinds. Worth visiting if you’re in the area.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Incredible museum located at UCL just down the road from Royal Holloway, between Euston Square and Warren Street underground stations. Incredible collections of well preserved artefacts, some dating back over 6000 years. An Incredible way to spend a few hours in London for lovers of archeology and ancient Egypt.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

It’s a small display behind the main road down by the university but we found it! It’s worth a visit despite being small and has more of a storage room vibe than the British museum… you can easily get through it in an hour or two, but if you’re into Egyptology, it’s worth the visit, and only round the corner from the British museum…

This is an utterly spellbinding museum. Try to follow one of their free tours- which gives a great understanding of how the museum is organised and points out some of their amazing treasures. There's no queues, and no noise. Well worth a visit.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

This is a _great_ small museum if you already know a good bit about pre-Islamic Egypt. Highlight is the ability to "walk through time" in the pottery room, starting with pre-history. If you are a novice, this will be a much tougher experience. Labeling is opaque and a map of archaeological sites is needed. Not kid-friendly.

A small but very educational museum. If you love Egyptian cultural relic then it's a must go. But don't expect the items to be presented in a fancy way like BM as this museum is for real history lover or someone studying relevant subjects.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A small but compact museum with a huge variety of incredibly well preserved exhibits. The pottery room was a particular highlight for me, a really colourful look into Egyptian history. The venue is air conditioned too and has seating in the main room, so it's easy to rest if you need it. Highly recommended

The collection is alot for the small museum it's in (80,000 items). I haven't been here before but we were pleasantly surprised. There's a crafts and books table for children. Victoria made the visit very interesting as well answering the questions of the visitors. Very knowledgeable. Thank you :)

A small gem close to the British Museum. A great way to spend an hour looking at lots of Ancient Egyptian artifacts, especially jewellery, pottery and stone carvings. There's a kid's quiz trail and very small shop. Not as crowded as the British Museum and great for any budding Egyptologists.

Great gem of a museum with an interesting history. Small but well worth it. A lot of similar things on display (from archaeological digs) but that doesn’t detract from what’s on display. Pop by if you can.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Great place to bring your kids to, usually not too busy. Optimal to spend about 1~2 hours there. The catalogue there doesn’t seem to work though and most QR codes seem obsolete, so no further explanation is provided. Probably better to go on a guided visit unless you’re a specialist.

Fairly small with many items not as glitzy or showy as other places but things that common people would have used. More down to earth than the looted displays down the street at the British Museum.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Fun fact! The Petrie museum has the 4th largest collection of Egyptian artefacts outside of Egypt. It's free to visit. Great for school trips as it is a small and contained space.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Fascinating exhibition, so many items to see! Tucked away down a little side street you have to know it's there to find it! It's free to visit with a donation box as you exit, we'll worth a visit if you like history.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Very interesting place to visit lots of interesting items to look at. There are stairs to climb up to the first floor when busy not a lot of room to move but still worth going.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No

A huge collection of bowls, vases and jewellery. Rather a university appendage than a proper museum. Go to the nearby British Museum for a full experience. Also, not easy to find.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A hidden gem in the robust and dynamic college area in Euston. Petrie Museum always welcomes visitors with the friendliest faces you could find. The collection is vast and many, and the museum retained its unique charm through the cabinet of curiosities narrative.

If you like Egyptian items you need to visit here. I was there 45mins but needed more time there. Like going back into Victorian days. I loved it there. If disabled or not good on stairs book in advanced to go into science block and get a lift up. Brilliant place

Interesting but a bit of a small collection. If you have been to the British museum or Cairo museum you might be disappointed. Friendly staff make it a very pleasant experience.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I went to the Egyptian museum with really high expectations, but mainly found Egyptian jewelry and pots. It is ok to visit and after it we went to the British museum which is 10min walk from the Petrie museum.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
30–60 min

Small and compact. Very interesting to navigate inside. Looks like a repository hall. Enjoyable. I shot around 5k images over 2 times and published an article about this visit + many images I uploaded to Wikipedia Commons. Very friendly and cooperative staff.

Off Piste as part of UCL. Free to enter and literally 1000's of artefacts! Great for spending a couple of hours looking at Egyptian wonders. It's definitely worth a trip
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Lovely hidden gem if you're into Egyptology. They are small but have 8000 objects, including the very first will! The museum staff are super friendly and very knowledgeable and make it a very personal experience. Will go back for sure!

Nice staff and interesting objects to see. There are only 2-3 rooms to see, but the display is pretty wonderful. I really loved the deep blue faience.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Complete collection but maybe need more detail explanation or self guided tour with AI or AR. Overall it was great to immerse in egyptian vibes without going to egypt.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Such a cool place. Absolutely worth a visit. The second largest collection of Egyptian artefacts in the UK and so many are on display. Heaps of interesting information and friendly staff too.
Wait time
No wait

Tiny but with a lot of pieces. There are two galleys, with tables with hieroglyphs and variety of items, from daily used to toys, glass recipients, a lot of vessels from different ages and even a mummy.

Wouldn't waste my time here. Just go see the Egyptian section in the British museum, it's way more impressive
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Very interesting hidden away museum. I wouldn't have known about if my friend didn't act as a tour guide for the UCL campus. Great selection of historic artifacts going back thousands of years.

As someone who studied archaeology this tiny museum with a large collection is a must. "A place where no tourist has gone before!" Free.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Definitely worth a visit for the well-preserved ancient artifacts. Also in a lovely part of Camden.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No

The museum staff is very friendly. The museum has an incredible collection, but is relatively small.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Excellent exhibition. Lots of interesting exhibits in an intimate space. Highly recommended.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

This collection is awesome. It offers an intimate close-up of findings from Ancient Egypt.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I have fallen in love. It was everything, and more, that you'd want, from what felt like a proper museum filled with real pieces from history. And the staff were wonderful

Great museum, lovely worksheets for children. My 8 year old son throughly enjoyed it.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Fascinating little museum with 1000s of Egyptian artifacts packed into a few rooms. Some of the exhibits makes you realise that these folk were people just like us

There is the most Egyptian artifacts I have seen in any museum. This is worth a visit. And it's free.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Great collection of Egyptian artifacts in an unassuming museum.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

lots of organic artifacts not seen elsewhere.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Very good collection of Egyptian culture.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Small museum of well preserved Egyptian artefacts tucked away in central London. Worth a visit.
Visited on
Weekday

A huge collection of Egyptian artifacts. Many unique objects are on display.. Located inside University College London..

Interesting place to see if you are into Egyptian culture and history
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Incredibly important museum - especially for those interested and passionate about predynastic Egyptian archaeology

Mummified mice, bead dresses and other rarities await you at this prolific Egyptian university collection at UCL.

A museum that offers a delightful escape into the world of creativity, leaving visitors inspired and enlightened.

A fantastic little museum. It has lots of artefacts. Good for youngsters who are studying about ancient Egypt.

Delightful, quirky and highly educational. Certainly worth a visit, please make a donation when you leave.

Enjoyable place. Many curious artefacts. Staffs are polite and happy in helping and showing things.

Lots of Egyptian archaeological finds displayed in Victorian style. Free with optional donation.

Quirky little museum with SO many relics and antiquities. Would definitely recommend visiting.

Hallowed museum, Hanif's wisdom fills the air, History comes alive.
Visited on
Weekend

Great museum.whilst only small there are so many artifacts to see a must if in the area.

This museum is simply amazing! The exhibits are breathtaking, and I was truly impressed.

Do you know why the pyramids are in Egypt? They were too big to be brought in London!

Love it...they really need a new place...family friendly...my kids loved it!

A small museum full to the top of Egyptian artifacts well worth a visit

A museum of Egyptology almost no one knows is there!