LONDON, United Kingdom — The Queen Elizabeth II Great Court at the British Museum in London. This two-acre covered square, designed by architect Norman Foster and opened in 2000, features a spectacular glass roof and serves as the central hub of the museum. The space encompasses the iconic Reading Room and provides access to various galleries and exhibitions.

• Contributor: David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy Stock Photo
• Image ID: 2Y4H3RY
• File size: 103.5 MB (2.4 MB Compressed download)
• Releases: Model - no | Property - no
• Dimensions: 5079 x 7126 px | 43 x 60.3 cm | 16.9 x 23.8 inches | 300dpi
• Date taken: 18 October 2014

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Photograph by David Coleman. The Queen Elizabeth II Great Court is the centerpiece of the British Museum in London, England. Designed by renowned architect Norman Foster, this expansive covered courtyard opened in 2000 as part of a major renovation of the museum. The Great Court is notable for its innovative glass and steel roof, which creates a light-filled atrium spanning two acres, making it the largest covered public square in Europe at the time of its completion. At the heart of the courtyard stands the iconic Reading Room, a circular structure that once housed the British Library. The Great Court serves multiple functions: it acts as the museum's central hub, provides improved circulation between galleries, houses visitor amenities, and offers a striking architectural contrast to the museum's 19th-century edifice. The space's design incorporates 3, 312 uniquely shaped glass panes, allowing natural light to flood the interior while protecting visitors and exhibits from the elements. This blend of historical preservation and modern architecture has made the Great Court a destination in its own right, attracting visitors interested in both the museum's collections and its architectural significance.

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