Hunterian Museum at the Royal College of Surgeons

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The Hunterian Museum collections have been brought together over four centuries by a cast of colourful characters including the surgeon and anatomist John Hunter (1728-1793). They are a fascinating mix of human and animal anatomy and pathology specimens, wax teaching models, surgical and dental instruments as well as paintings, drawings and sculpture.

Reopened in 2005 after a £3.2 million refurbishment, permanent displays and a changing programme of temporary exhibitions encourage visitors to explore the science and art of surgery. Visit www.rcseng.ac.uk/museums for more information.

The Hunterian Museum also features in our Learning section.

Museum Details

Hunterian Museum at The Royal College of Surgeons
35-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields
London WC2A 3PE
Tel. 0207 869 6560
Textphone/Typetalk: 18001 020 7869 6560

Free curator's tour every Wednesday at 13:00
Group tours by arrangement (charges apply)
The MacRae Gallery: Room to Discover can be reserved for teaching sessions, workshops and seminars

Other Information

Open 10:00-17:00 Tuesday to Saturday
Closed 23 December-4 January, Good Friday and Easter Saturday
Free admission, donations welcome
Booking required for groups of ten or more
Disabled access (see museum website for details)

Holborn, Temple

Latest News from the Hunterian Museum

COMING SOON Curious: the craft of microscopy
An exhibition by Susanna Edwards
Tuesday 16 February-Saturday 3 July
Qvist Gallery, Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm
Free and open to all

Scale of Sole © Susanna Edwards Several years ago artist Susanna Edwards happened upon a collection of Victorian microscopic slides in a second-hand shop. Intrigued by the creativity and dexterity involved in making these delicate objects, she began to research the history of microscopy. Her exhibition traces her project, exploring microscopy as craft and technology, art and science. Through stunning photography, her exhibition reveals the way in which developments in microscopy have changed the way we see the world.

Supported by the Royal Microscopical Society, the Arts Council, London, and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.

Lens of Life Events at the Hunterian Museum for Spring 2010

The Hunterian Museum presents a series of events that reveal the connections between microscopy and medicine. The Lens of Life programme has been organised as part of the Royal Society's 350th anniversary celebrations in 2010.

Thursday 25 March, 1pm
Keeping it in the Family: the Dollonds and microscopy

As their name disappears forever from the British high street, Neil Handley, curator at the British Optical Association Museum uncovers the remarkable history of the Dollond family of opticians and their contributions to the science of microscopy.

Plus free tour of the historic British Optical Association Museum.
Tour dates: 26 March, 1–2pm; 29 March, 11am–12 or 30 March, 2–3pm.

Free but booking required by calling 020 7869 6560

Wednesday 28 April, 7pm
Joseph Lister, surgeon and microscopist

Professor Harold Ellis charts the story of Joseph Lister FRS, who followed in the footsteps of his father, a wine merchant and distinguished amateur microscopist, to develop the skills that led to a new understanding of wound infection and to the introduction of antiseptic surgery.

£5 (no concs.) Book by calling 020 7869 6560

For more information about this and other events, visit the Hunterian Museum website.

The Hunterian Museum has joined the social networking revolution and got itself a facebook page. It’s a fan-site entitled Hunterian Museum, London (although if you look you can also find the page of John Hunter who administers the site and make ‘friends’ with him!)

Hunterian Museum at the Royal College of Surgeons

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