British Museum, © Trustees of the British MuseumBritish Museum, © Trustees of the British Museum

Find out how old the British Museum is, what pets it has lurking in the basement and its most famous visitor to date...

Age: A sprightly 258 (age is just a number)

Describe yourself in three words... studious, global, unique

What is your most treasured possession? Too many to pick just one...the Nimrud ivories are a recent fantastic acquisition

Your most famous visitor is? Karl Marx

Stellar shop success.. Rosetta Stone postcard

Any museum pets?  Feral cats (only one remains)

One thing that could make you better is ... A new temporary exhibition space (bring on 2014!)

You have a Museum crush on... Kelvingrove, Glasgow

What do you most dislike about your appearance? My greying temples

You’re most happy when… the world is walking through the door

Useful links

Browse the image gallery and find out more about the British Museum

Visit the Art Fund Prize 2011 website