RCN Library and Heritage Centre
Library and heritage centre of the Royal College of Nursing in London with a lower-ground gallery of changing displays on nursing history.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Royal College of Nursing Library and Heritage Centre at 20 Cavendish Square holds what it describes as the largest nursing-specific collection in Europe. Its historic collections include rare Victorian texts on nursing and one of Florence Nightingale's own copies of a book.
Besides the library, the centre has a gallery on the lower ground floor where displays are changed about every six months. The themes range from mental health nursing to women's healthcare, and many of the displays are developed together with nurses. The exhibitions are usually free to visit, although some events charge admission.
The building also contains a members' area on the mezzanine level, a cafe and areas for study. The centre offers behind-the-scenes tours of the RCN head office on selected dates, a virtual tour online, and late openings with talks and hands-on activities.
Highlights
- Europe's largest nursing-specific library collection
- Rare Victorian nursing texts and a copy of a book owned by Florence Nightingale
- Lower-ground gallery with changing displays on nursing history
- Behind-the-scenes tours of the RCN head office
- Operated by
- Royal College of Nursing
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Behind-the-scenes tour of the RCN head office | £9Selected dates, 15:00 to 16:00 |
|---|
The exhibitions are usually free to visit, and some events charge admission. The mezzanine members' area and some services are reserved for RCN members.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- 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 building has step-free access to all floors, using lifts and slopes, and the Henrietta Place entrance has automatic doors. Accessible toilets are on the lower ground floor. Reading aids such as magnifiers, reading pens and a large-print keyboard are available. Many public events are live-subtitled, and some are interpreted in British Sign Language.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The library entrance is on Henrietta Place.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
Trampoline cafe is open on weekdays from 09:00 to 15:00. Free Wi-Fi and computers are available in the library.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Behind-the-scenes tours of the RCN head office are offered on selected dates, and a virtual tour is available online. |
