British Museum’s Iconic Reading Room Reopens to Public After 11-Year Closure
The Round Reading Room at the British Museum, a landmark of architectural brilliance, has reopened to visitors after an 11-year closure. Designed by Sydney Smirke and inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, this 1857 masterpiece showcases mid-19th century technology with its cast iron, concrete, and glass construction. Originally housing 25 miles of shelving, notable figures such as Karl Marx and Bram Stoker once accessed its treasures. After a period of closure and restoration, the room is now open to the public without the need for tickets or tours.
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Elara Voss, graduated from the Royal College of Art in London with a Master’s in Fine Art. She specializes in contemporary sculpture and installation art, exploring themes of nature and human interaction. Elara’s works have been featured in several group exhibitions across Europe, and she is currently working on her first solo show.