Discover the RCP's 500-year-old collection of artifacts and artwork at our Regent's Park HQ.
Visit the museum
We look forward to welcoming you to explore more than 500 years of medical history in our iconic building in the heart of London.
We are open to visitors Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm and until 8pm at our monthly Museum Lates. Visiting is free for up to five people at a time. Groups of six+ should attend one of our monthly free taster tours or book a guided tour via history@rcp.ac.uk.
The RCP Museum is closed on public bank holidays, the month of August for maintenance and conservation work, and for RCP major events and ceremonies, please check the RCP museum website for details before planning your visit.
Explore
Located in the RCP's Grade I-listed 'modernist masterpiece', our museum collections have been gathered over five centuries since our foundation by Royal Charter of Henry VIII in 1518. When visiting look out for our:
- portraits and silver, which are displayed throughout the building
- fascinating Symons collection of artefacts which would have been used by physicians and for self-care in the home
- Prujean chest of 17th century surgical instruments
- extraordinary set of 17th-century human remains - John Finch's anatomical tables which give a fascinating insight into dissection and discovery in anatomy
- current artistic exhibition 'Unfamiliar' takes a new look at the RCP collection
Current exhibition
The current exhibition 'Unfamiliar' has been co-curated by photographer Theo Deproost and physician associate Debbie Jegede. Together, Theo and Debbie identified intruiging objects from within the depths of our museum stores which were photographed by Theo to create new, arresting artworks. The stunning results are displayed in the exhibition, alongside the original objects to highlight their hidden richness and beauty.
Explore the exhibition as part of your visit to the museum Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm - plan your visit.
Guided tours
In-person guided tours and live virtual guided tours or talks are available to book. Explore 500 years of the RCP’s past, key developments in medical history and award-winning architecture at our stunning Regent’s Park home or the comfort of your own living room.
Both in-person and virtual tours will be guided live by an expert from the RCP archive, heritage library or museum team and are available Monday to Friday, running between 10am–5pm.
Public events
We run a series of public events at the museum for all ages including exhibition openings, talks, lectures and workshops throughout the year inspired by the RCP museum collections, history and architecture.
We offer a mix of in-person events at our Regent’s Park home, virtual events to enjoy from wherever you are and hybrid events where attendees can take part in-person or online.
RCP and COVID-19
In the interest of your own and other attendees’ health and safety, if you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 or have COVID-19 symptoms please do not visit or attend an event at the RCP.
Our Operational standards for reopening guidelines will provide you with an overview of the measures we are putting in place to ensure your safety when visiting our venue. In addition, we have been awarded the industry standard ‘We’re Good To Go’ certification, meaning our venue has been recognised as one that can open safely and follows current government guidance.
Access
Please note that as a conference venue, some rooms may be unavailable to view on your visit. Please contact us in advance if you are travelling far to see a particular room or item in the collection. For all museum information and enquiries, please phone +44 (0)20 3075 1510 or email history@rcp.ac.uk.
Museum location, accessibility and journey planning information (including transport accessibility) is available on the RCP visiting page. If you would rather discuss visiting arrangements with staff at the RCP, please contact us via email at reception@rcp.ac.uk, or by telephone on +44 (0)20 3075 1363.