Oldest museum

The Royal Armouries Museum in the Tower of London (UK) is the world’s oldest museum. It opened its doors to the public in 1660, although it was possible to view the collection by appointment for up to eight years prior to this date. Today the museum is home to one of the largest collections of arms and armour in the world, comprising the UK’s National Collection of Arms and Armour, National Artillery Collection and National Firearms Collection. It is also the keeper of the Tower of London history. The origins of the Royal Armouries, one of the ancient institutions of the Tower of London, can be traced back to the working armoury of the medieval kings of England.