Do You Know: How much are the contents of the British Museum insured for? (colour...

How much are the contents of the British Museum insured for? The priceless treasures of this incomparable storehouse of human art and industry are not insured, as they are irreplaceable. The museum originated in the year 1753, but its history really goes back to the 17th century, when William Courtens collected together "the most notable collection any person in the world enjoys". Much of the money to pay for and house the original collections was raised by a £100,000 lottery. The first home was Montague House, Bloomsbury, and it was formally opened 15 January 1759. The building now known as the British Museum was completed in 1847. Illustration for one of a set of 50 "Do You Know?" cigarette cards issued by Carreras in 1939.