The Royal College of Physicians is the oldest medical institution in England. Its collections relate to the history of the College, and the history of the Physician's profession.

Collections range from portraits, providing a pictorial and sculptural record of Presidents, Fellows and other physicians associated with the College from its foundation in 1518 to the present day, to the exquisitely displayed Symon's Collection of medical instruments.

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

The College building itself is 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.

Admission Details:

• Open to Members and Fellows, 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, free admission.
• Open for historical tours of the collections and the College building, 9am-5pm, by appointment only (fees may apply).
• Open to researchers, 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday.
• Please telephone to make an appointment.

Other Information:

• Commercial photographic reproduction service of any of the items in the collections or views of the building.
• Photocopying as part of the Library's service.
• Research enquiries, specifically relating to the history of the College and the physician's profession.
• Loans of items to Museums or other similar institutions.
• All display areas and library accessible by wheelchair users, entrance at the side of the building.