Wellcome Collection

Opened in 2007, the Wellcome Collection is a free museum and library for the incurably curious. Inspired by the medical objects and curiosities collected by Henry Wellcome, it connects science, medicine, life and art. Through exhibitions, live programming, and digital and publishing activity, it makes thought-provoking content which aims to challenge how we think and feel about health.

What’s in the collection?

The collection contains books, journals, manuscripts and medical and ethnographic objects. You’ll find some objects from the collections on display throughout the Wellcome building and in temporary exhibitions.

The library

The Wellcome Collection's extensive library houses a vast collection of works, spanning centuries, and a wide range of topics related to health, medicine, and science. Anyone over the age of 18 can visit the library and use the materials on the shelves, and membership is free if you need to use further resources.

Thought-provoking exhibitions

The Wellcome Collection regularly hosts events and activities, including exhibitions, talks, workshops, and film screenings. These events offer a great way to learn more about the collection and engage with the museum's themes.

The Reading Room

As well as a world-famous library, and a delightful café, restaurant and shop, there is also a place called the Reading Room, a retreat from the bustle outside where visitors can browse, play games, read and connect with new ideas and new people.