London is a city brimming with incredible success stories. Every day, new talents emerge in the UK capital, bolstered by the countless skilled professionals arriving from across the globe. As a result, the city boasts a vibrant community of talented artists, actors, musicians, writers, and entrepreneurs. However, some individuals find more unconventional paths to fame. How about earning a place in the Guinness World Records? Given the sheer variety of categories, it is certainly an inspired choice. Ben Melham is one such Londoner who managed to set a world record. But who is the man behind the achievement, and what did he do to earn such recognition? Find out more on londonski.
A Glimpse into His Life
Originally from London and now living in Surrey, Ben Melham works as an operations consultant within the museum sector. He is a family man, sharing his life with his wife and two children, Matilda and Henrik. In fact, it was his children who sparked the idea for his record-breaking attempt. While spending time together as a family, they were reading through a book of world records. After coming across a particular entry, Ben remarked on how difficult it would be to replicate such a feat. Seizing the moment, his children challenged their father to go out and beat the existing record himself.
The Record and How He Broke It
Fuelled by his family’s support, Ben Melham secured his place in the Guinness World Records on 25 October 2024 for visiting the most museums in 24 hours. Navigating a meticulously planned route on a kick scooter, he visited 42 museums in less than 12 hours. In doing so, he smashed the previous record of 33, which had been held by Sujoy Kumar Mitra and Swaroop Davrane from India.
Ben kicked off his challenge at 9:03 am at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Museum. This venue offers a fascinating look at the history of pharmacy in London and across the UK. Exhibits range from bizarre early “cures” for baldness—such as rubbing bear grease onto the scalp—to Allenburys throat pastilles that once contained cocaine and heroin. The museum also reveals darker historical medical practices, such as 17th-century epilepsy treatments involving fragments of human skulls, and the use of mummified human hands as a blood-thinning remedy.
As the clock ticked, Ben visited the Barbican Art Gallery—one of the UK’s leading creative spaces—the British Museum, the Science Museum, and the Natural History Museum. Beyond these major landmarks, he explored the collections of dozens of other institutions. He finally crossed the finish line at 7:58 pm at the Royal Academy of Arts. Known for its wide array of exhibitions, educational projects, and debates, the Academy is a cornerstone of the fine arts. It also houses a unique library, archives, and extensive collections featuring works by Academicians, architectural studies, and rare photography.
The Vision Behind the Record
Above all, Ben’s record-breaking run served as a celebration of London’s incredibly diverse museum landscape. He wanted to show both locals and tourists alike that there is always something new to discover in the capital. While he admits that art is best enjoyed at a slower pace than his record required, his journey proved that London has something to amaze everyone. Following such an exhilarating day, Ben is already looking toward his next challenge. He has set his sights on an even more ambitious goal: breaking the record for the most museums visited in a single year.