Royal College of Physicians Museum

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is the oldest medical college in England. Its collections relate to the history of the College, and to the physician's profession.

Collections range from portraits, providing a pictorial and sculptural record of presidents, fellows and other physicians associated with the RCP from its foundation in 1518 to the present day, to the exquisitely displayed Symons Collection of medical instruments, and the Hoffbrand Collection of apothecary jars.

Highlights from the collections include William Harvey's demonstration rod, the RCP silver-gilt mace (following the same design as the Commonwealth mace in the House of Commons) and six 17th century anatomical tables.

The RCP building is itself notable. It was built by Denys Lasdun in 1964 and has since been recognised as a building of national importance through its Grade I listing.

The Archive includes the complete RCP annals, its founding charter, and papers of leading medical figures, whilst the Historic Library is an important, prized collection. Both Archive and Library can be accessed by appointment.

Visit www.rcplondon.ac.uk/museum-garden for more information.

Contact Us

Royal College of Physicians Museum
11 St. Andrews Place
Regent's Park
London NW1 4LE
Tel. 020 3075 1543 / 020 3075 1510
Fax. 020 7486 3729

Visitor Information

Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 9:00-17:00, Closed bank holidays.
Free entry (max group size 6 persons).

Access
Wheelchair access throughout.
Enter at the side of the building.

Archive/Historic Library by appointment only.

Guided tours may be booked (£5 per head) for groups, min 6 persons.

Other services
Picture Library for RCP images.
Enquiry service for RCP and medical history.
Loans of items to other museums.

Euston Station
Regent's Park, Great Portland Street, Warren Street
18, 27, 30, C2, 135

Tell Us About Your Visit

Why be closed in august 27 August 2009

Why be closed in august i want to come now and see the place what a pity i only found out this month and have to wait a whole month to go there and see it try to stay open like other museums if you have to close for whatever reason for a whole month try and use a month thats not busy from the public use ok

RCP opening hours explanation: 15 September 2009

As well as displaying our museum, archive and historic library collections, the RCP is a multi-purpose office building and venue, hosting membership ceremonies, events and conferences. These core activities can sometimes limit our public opening times. The RCP closes during August to allow maintenance and cleaning of our Grade 1 listed building as this is the low season for conferences but we constantly aim to improve access and will update our website if August visiting is available in future. Emma Shepley, Curator, Royal College of Physicians Museum

Current exhibition

'An end to good manners': The Royal College of Physicians and the English Civil War

26 September 2011-05 April 2012, free entry

This exhibition uses rarely seen material from the RCP’s historical collections to tell the story of the RCP and its physicians during this tumultuous period.

‘...when dissolution and idleness had put an end to good manners), some seditious ‘tribunes’ of the people and ill-conditioned scoundrels ... had defiled all things ... the Phoenix ... rose at last ...’