Royal College of Physicians Museum

About the museum

The Royal College of Physicians was founded in 1518, when Henry VIII granted it a royal charter, and its collections have been gathered over five centuries. The College has had five headquarters in London. The current building at Regent's Park, designed by Sir Denys Lasdun and opened in 1964, stands on the site of Someries House by John Nash, which was badly damaged in the Second World War, and it was listed Grade I in 1998.

The museum tells more than 500 years of medical history through portraits, silver, instruments and rare books. The Treasures Room on the lower ground floor holds the silver collection, the Prujean chest of 17th-century surgical instruments, the Symons collection of objects used by physicians and for self-care at home, and medical artefacts from the 17th to the 19th century. On the second floor are John Finch's 17th-century anatomical tables, which are human remains.

The first-floor gallery shows changing exhibitions on health, science and society, and the building also contains the Dorchester Library of rare books and a medicinal garden with more than 1,300 plants. The museum runs a year-round programme of building tours, garden tours, monthly late openings and workshops, and it offers free sessions for secondary schools.

Highlights

• Treasures Room with the silver collection and the Prujean chest of surgical instruments
• John Finch's 17th-century anatomical tables
• Symons collection of objects used by physicians and for self-care
• Medicinal garden with more than 1,300 plants
• Grade I listed building by Sir Denys Lasdun

Permanent exhibitions

• Treasures Room – A display of silver, the Prujean chest of 17th-century surgical instruments, the Symons collection and other medical artefacts from the 17th to the 19th century.
• Anatomical tables – John Finch's 17th-century anatomical tables, which consist of human remains, are displayed on the second floor.
• Medicinal garden – A garden with more than 1,300 plants that have been used in medicine, open on weekdays.

Operated by

Royal College of Physicians

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the museum and garden is free. Self-guided visits are available on weekdays for individuals and groups of up to five. Larger groups can book a free Museum Late or taster tour, or a private guided tour for a small fee.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A lift platform at the main entrance provides step-free entry, and a main lift serves all floors. Two wheelchairs can be borrowed if booked at least 24 hours ahead, and folding stools are available in the Treasures Room and the first-floor gallery. Accessible toilets and baby changing are on the lower ground floor. Fixed induction loops are in the Wolfson Theatre, Seligman Theatre, Council Chamber and Osler Room, and portable loops are available for other rooms. Guide and hearing dogs are welcome in the gallery. Exhibition captions are available in large print on request, and a guide can be requested at least 24 hours ahead. The museum is quieter on Fridays and during school holidays than at midday on other days. Limited disabled parking can be booked in advance.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

The museum offers children's workshops during school holidays, for example a Build a Body workshop. Baby changing is available in the lower ground floor toilets.

Getting there & parking

There is no public access from Albany Street or Peto Place; visitors arrive from the Outer Circle on the Regent's Park side. The building is outside the Congestion Charge zone but inside the Ultra Low Emission Zone. Bike stands are to the left of the main entrance.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop: not available
• Coat check

A cloakroom is available at reception. The museum shop is run online.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit