Museum Tavern black plaque

Connection to This Location

# Museum Tavern, 49 Great Russell Street Standing before 49 Great Russell Street, you're looking at a building that witnessed the very birth of London's intellectual life—when the British Museum opened its doors in 1759, this humble public house transformed overnight from a country retreat called t...

Location

49 Great Russell Street

Inscription

The earliest record of the Museum Tavern was in 1723, although at that stage it was called ‘The Dog and Duck’ after the hunting that took place in the surrounding ponds and swamps. In 1759 the British Museum was established and the pub promptly adopted its current name. Taking advantage of the rebuilding of Museum Street, in 1855 the tavern was expanded to its present size. The bar and backfittings were added in 1889, and are still used today. The pub retains many other original features, including mirrors and windows, and continues to offer food and drink to weary travellers