Museum Street is so-named since it approaches the main entrance of the British Museum.
The British Museum collection dates from 1753 with the building on the site since 1823. However the street dates from before the 14th century. It was a rural lane until the late 17th century when the growth of London caused its urbanisation.
It was at first called Peter Street which may refer to a saltpetre manufacturer which is thought to have existed there. After the area became urban, the road was the site of slum tenements.
An attempt at gentrification saw its name changed to Queen Street. It became home to parish schools for the education of local poor children.
A bookseller called Charles Mudie opened a bookshop and stationers. He explored the possibility of lending books as well as selling them and Mudie’s Select Library proved so popular that, after a decade, it moved out to larger premises. The street then became fashionable area with many of the foremost writers of the day gathering in taverns to converse. The occult Atlantis Bookshop opened on the street in 1922.
On the corner of Great Russell Street is the Museum Tavern, dating to 1723. Until 1762 the pub was called the Dog and Duck - duck hunting was popular in the ponds in the Long Fields behind Montagu House in the 18th century.
The street is now popular for cafes along with the bookshops.