The British Museum's iconic domed Reading Room has officially reopened, inviting the public to explore its rich history. Once a sanctuary for some of the world's greatest thinkers—Karl Marx, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Bram Stoker, to name a few—this remarkable space is a must-see for history enthusiasts and design aficionados alike.

Located in the West end of London, the British Museum is a treasure trove for history buffs, yet the Reading Room remains a hidden gem that many have yet to discover. After a lengthy closure, the room is now accessible through guided tours, ensuring visitors can appreciate its grandeur without disturbing the ongoing research within its walls.

Originally completed in 1857, the Reading Room quickly became a celebrated hub for intellectuals and literary giants. It was a place where the elite of academia gathered to hone their craft, with figures like Marx and Doyle finding inspiration within its historic walls. Even if you may not consider themselves avid readers, the Reading Room is a stunning architectural marvel. Its powder blue papier-mâché dome is framed by a sophisticated gold and cream palette, elegantly accentuating the windows that encircle the space. Housing an astonishing five million volumes across 25 miles of bookshelves, the room is as much a feast for the eyes as it is a haven for knowledge.

Following a refurbishment between 1997 and 2000, the Reading Room briefly opened to the public, and since 2013, it has occasionally served as an exhibition space. However, its recent reopening marks a significant moment for those eager to delve into the stories and secrets of this remarkable room.

Now, visitors can unravel the mysteries of the Reading Room and discover why the architects of Marxism, Dracula, and Sherlock Holmes chose this mid-19th century masterpiece—an homage to the Pantheon in Rome—as their creative sanctuary.