Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret

About the museum

The museum occupies the attic of St Thomas’ Church in Southwark, which was built in 1703 as part of the old St Thomas’ Hospital. The attic served as the hospital’s herb garret, where the apothecary dried and stored medicinal plants. In 1822 part of it was turned into an operating theatre for women patients, linked to a nearby ward. Operations took place there before anaesthesia and antiseptic methods were known, while medical students watched from tiered benches.

The hospital moved to Lambeth in 1862 after its land was bought for the extension of London Bridge railway station. The garret was then closed up and forgotten for almost a century, until it was rediscovered in 1956. It has been open to the public as an independent museum since 1962.

Today visitors climb a narrow spiral staircase to reach the attic. They can see the operating theatre, the herb garret and displays of surgical and medical instruments, and learn about the history of surgery, nursing and herbal medicine. The museum is run by the Lord Brock Trust, a registered charity.

Highlights

• Operating theatre from 1822, with its tiered viewing benches
• Herb garret of the old hospital apothecary
• Collection of historic surgical and medical instruments
• Setting in the attic of a church built in 1703

Permanent exhibitions

• The 1822 operating theatre – The preserved theatre where surgeons operated before anaesthesia, with tiered benches for medical students.
• The herb garret and medical collection – The hospital apothecary’s attic with dried herbs, together with surgical and medical instruments.

Founded

1962

Operated by

Lord Brock Trust

Director

Dr Sophie Waring

Admission & discounts

Prices include a donation. Carers and Museums Association card holders enter free. Southwark Presents Card and Team London Bridge DealCard holders get two tickets for the price of one; ICOM cards are not accepted.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is reached by a narrow spiral staircase of 52 steps and has uneven floors. There is no full lift, but a small lift is occasionally available for visitors who need it, so visitors should contact the museum before coming. Ear defenders, a sensory map, a visual story, audio and braille display information and a detailed access guide are offered. There are no toilets on site. Only guide dogs are allowed.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Baby changing facilities: not available

Children aged 5 and under enter free and a family ticket is available. Pushchairs are not allowed inside but can be left in the foyer.

Getting there & parking

The museum links to the TfL journey planner for walking, cycling, public transport and driving.

Amenities & dining

• Coat check: not available

There are no toilets and no luggage storage on site; suitcases and large bags are not allowed. An online shop is available. Paid luggage storage is nearby at Borough Market.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The whole museum can be hired after hours for private events, photo shoots and filming; a surgery talk and demonstration can be added. Prices are in a brochure on request.

Plan your visit