London, England: British Museum

The discussion here turns serious for a change as the British Museum comes into view. There are some moral issues that can overshadow any discussions about this huge and fascinating place. 

First of this, this is a big place. The Museum has eight million pieces devoted to its exploration of history, art and culture. It's been around since 1753 in one form or another, and it was first public national museum. The place opened to the public in 1759, and has been on the same spot since then. However, the building has kept growing to keep pace with its artifacts. British colonization had a lot to do with that. 

The star attraction of the British Museum is the Rosetta Stone. That's a good-sized rock that has three different written versions of the same proclamation of a Egyptian king in 196 BC - two from Egypt and one from Greek. In other words, it was a guide to translating the ancient languages. That was a huge step in the study of ancient Egypt. It's worth noting that other and similar remains have been found, but the Rosetta Stone came first. 

There are other major attractions, conveniently pointed out on the museum's printed map. The Lewis Chessmen are considered part of the most famous chess set in the world. The Oxus Treasure has great metalwork from ancient Iran. Shiva Nataraja is a bronze sculpture from south India. The Museum has the largest collection of Chinese ceramics outside of China's borders. And so on. The three floors are divided into large rooms with common geography. In other words, Asian exhibits are on the ground floor, while European items are upstairs.

What's the problem? There's an argument about the techniques involved in acquiring some of the items. It could be said that they were essentially stolen by Colonial British forces from their rightful owners. It's been said that the British Museum is the largest receiver of stolen property in the world. The fighting continues to this day. 

There is something to be said for the fact that these priceless items of world heritage are receiving good care in their present location. Compare that to the Middle East, where similar artifacts have been destroyed by vandals and the like. But it just doesn't seem right on some level to have pieces of the original Parthenon on display in ... London.

It would seem that such properties could be put under international control to make sure they are safe-guarded. But that's probably unrealistic. So we'll have to accept the idea that while the Museum is full of fascinating items, a little guilt can be mixed with any visit.