Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Museum
Museum of women's healthcare at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in Southwark, shown by pre-booked tour.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists is described as unique in the United Kingdom for its focus on women's healthcare. Its collections have grown through gifts and acquisitions since the College was founded, and today they include the complementary collection of the Royal College of Midwives.
The best-known object is the pair of Chamberlen forceps, a world-famous set of early 17th-century birth instruments that was found in 1813 under a trapdoor in the attic of the Chamberlen family's former home. The originals came to the College in 1957 as a gift from the Royal Society of Medicine, and a facsimile pair is on display at Union Street.
The museum also shows forceps and other mechanical devices that were used to assist childbirth, vacuum delivery cups, diagnostic tools, anaesthetic devices, breastfeeding implements and examples of contraception, together with material on the history of the Colleges, art on the theme of mother and child, and portraits of leading figures. The displays consist of semi-permanent displays and cases for temporary exhibitions. The College also holds paintings and sculptures related to women's healthcare, many of which can be seen on Art UK.
Highlights
- Facsimile of the Chamberlen forceps from the early 17th century
- Forceps, vacuum cups and other instruments used in childbirth
- Diagnostic tools, anaesthetic devices and contraception examples
- Collections of the Royal College of Midwives
- Paintings and portraits related to women's healthcare
Permanent exhibition
- Museum of women's healthcare – Semi-permanent displays on the history of obstetrics, gynaecology and midwifery, including a facsimile of the Chamberlen forceps and birth instruments.
- Founded
- 2005
- Operated by
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Admission & discounts
Access to the heritage collections is paused for service development. Visitors can register their interest by email.
Accessibility
Access to the heritage collections is paused for service development. Visitors can register their interest by email.
Kids & families
Access to the heritage collections is paused for service development. Visitors can register their interest by email.
Getting there & parking
Access to the heritage collections is paused for service development. Visitors can register their interest by email.
Amenities & dining
Access to the heritage collections is paused for service development. Visitors can register their interest by email.
Events & venue rental
Access to the heritage collections is paused for service development. Visitors can register their interest by email.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The displays can only be seen on a pre-booked guided tour; visitors are asked to suggest several dates. |
