Royal College of Physicians Museum
London's oldest medical college museum, the Royal College of Physicians Museum, houses portraits of historical medical personalities and rare medical instruments and artefacts.
Housed in a stunning Grade I listed building, designed by Sir Denys Lasdun, the museum showcases a wide range of collections that will fascinate anyone interested in the history of medicine.
Medical history
Explore the museum’s collection of historic medical equipment, including John Snow’s apparatus for the vaporisation of ether for anaesthetic purposes and a rare set of six Anatomical Tables. The museum also houses The Symons Collection, a group of over 400 objects collected by British cardiologist Cecil Symons and his wife Jean, which focuses on domestic medicine as well as physicians tools like leech applicators, and stethoscopes.
Admire artworks
Peruse the museum’s collection of artworks on display including a bust of Galen, portraits of Mathew Baillie and William Harvey, who helped found the museum with his generous donations.
Medical records
The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) archive contains rare books, manuscripts, and journals and papers by RCP members, from the Tudor era to the present day, which can be accessed by appointment.
Exhibitions and events
The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and talks that delve into specific aspects of medical history or current research. Guided tours delve in to 500 years of medicine, history, art and architecture. Keep an eye out too for Museum Lates where you can enjoy extended opening hours, with special events and activities. Pre-booking for all of these is required.
Interested in the history of medicine? You might like to explore the Wellcome Collection in London or The Hunterian in Glasgow.
Visitor information
Address
The Royal College Of Physicians, 11 St Andrews Place, Regents Park, London, Greater London, NW1 4LE
020 3075 1510
Opening times
Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm and until 8pm on the first Thursday of the month.
Closed the month of August for maintenance and conservation work, public holidays and for RCP major events and ceremonies. Please check the 'Closure dates’ on our website before planning your visit.
