British Museum's historic Reading Room opens to the public after 11 years

Using cast iron, concrete, glass, and the latest technology in the mid-19th century, the Round Reading Room was an architectural marvel with 25 miles of shelving. Karl Marx, Bram Stoker, and Arthur Conan Doyle were among successful applicants to access this impressive space.

The room was closed in 2013 for storage, despite objections from the museum's chairman. Weekly tours were introduced in response, leading to the recent decision to allow public access without the need for a ticket or tour.

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