Man sets world record for most museums visited in 24 hours

Ben Melham whizzed his way around 42 sites in London in a single day.

A man has sped his way across London using a kick scooter to achieve a Guinness World Records title for the most museums visited in 24 hours.

Ben Melham, 42, whizzed his way around 42 museums including The Barbican Art Gallery, The British Museum, The Science Museum and The Natural History Museum on October 25.

Following verification from the world records team, he was recently declared a world record holder, beating the 33-museum feat achieved by Sujoy Kumar Mitra and Swaroop Dawrani in Delhi, India.

Ben Melham in front of a display showing suits of armour — Ben Melham is a museum enthusiast (Ben Melham/Guinness World Records/PA)

“Through this record attempt, I hoped to raise awareness and inspire greater engagement with museums and the incredible collections they safeguard.”

Mr Melham, who is a leading expert in the operation and sustainability of museums and cultural institutions, shows no signs of slowing down in his pursuit to encourage others to enjoy museums as much as he does.

Ben Melham smiling while inside a museum exhibit — Mr Melham hopes to achieve another museum-focused world record over the coming months (Ben Melham/Guinness World Records/PA)

Adam Millward, managing editor of Guinness World Records, said “Hundreds of thousands of visitors make a beeline to the British capital each year to immerse themselves in history, science, engineering, art and nature – as well as a few more delightfully esoteric collections.

Ben Melham outside the London Canal Museum — Mr Melham visited 42 museums in London in a day to set the new record (Ben Melham/Guinness World Records/PA)

“It’s a reminder to locals and tourists alike that there’s always something new to explore and learn about, albeit ideally at a slightly less frantic pace than this record demanded of Ben.”