The Royal College of Physicians is the oldest medical college in England. Since our foundation by royal charter of Henry VIII in 1518, the RCP has built up magnificent collections of books, manuscripts, portraits, silver, and medical artefacts. Our current Grade I listed headquarters is one of London’s most important post-war buildings. It was designed by architect Sir Denys Lasdun and opened in 1964. Our medicinal garden contains over 1,300 plants, each used in some way as medicine around the world over the past 3,000 years. Some plants are still ingredients in modern medicines, and many are named after prominent doctors.
A visit to the RCP museum and garden – watch the film
Visit us Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm (excluding public holidays). Entry is free. Group tours can be booked to explore our museum, garden and architecture.
Visiting and tours
Visit us or book a tour to explore our museum, medicinal garden and architecture. We are open Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm excluding public holidays. Entry is free.
Visiting and toursGarden
We have had a medicinal garden since 1965. It was extensively replanted in 2005–6. We currently have over 1,300 plants from the history of medicine.
GardenMuseum
Our portraits, silver and medical instrument collections, accumulated over nearly 500 years, are displayed throughout our headquarters in Regent’s Park.
MuseumWhat's on
The RCP holds a wide range of events for adults, schools and families, including workshops, lectures and exhibitions and open days.
What's onArchitecture and buildings
Since its foundation, the RCP has had five buildings in London. The current building in Regent’s Park was designed by Sir Denys Lasdun and opened in 1964.
Architecture and buildings
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