Reviews of The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret. (Museum) in London (London).

The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret

935 Reviews

394 Comments

Museum

9a St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY, United Kingdom

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Description

Information of The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret, Museum in London (London)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

Map

Open hours of The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret

Sunday

10:30am–5pm

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

10:30am–5pm

Friday

10:30am–5pm

Saturday

10:30am–5pm

Popular times

Wednesday

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Thursday

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Friday

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Saturday

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Reviews of The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret

E. S.

Such a wonderful little place. The girl who welcomed us in was absolutely lovely and helpful, the museum itself really makes you feel like you've stepped back in time , the smells of the herds and spices of the apothecary make you feel so immersed in St Thomas' Hospital. Wonderful museum I'll be telling everyone about!

V. S. S.

Lovely collections. Will definitely visit again. Would be a cool place for a gathering or meeting

M. S.

A great museum for those that don't want to visit the usual museums and have an interest in the history of medicine. Did make me feel a bit nauseous seeing the cuts in the wood from past amputations, but such an interesting venue. Fully worth it!

P. S.

It was compact but interesting to walk around for 30 mins. Perfect for pre or post lunch outing.

D. G.

The Old Operating Theatre Museum is quite an intimate experience for the visitor, especially those with medical background. Fascinating old medicinal techniques and procedures that advanced over time (the God for that!). I definitely recommend it. Very helpful reception and easy to navigate throughout. Not suitable for wheelchair access. It’s currently open only Fridays and Saturdays advanced booking only. There’s a traffic light system at the door to signal when you’re allowed in. No toilets on site. Ticket prices £10.

M. M.

This is a truly fascinating place for anyone interested medical/surgical practises before modern medicine of the 20th Century. Quite gruesome at times, you realise that not only were diagnostics quite primitive (and often wrong), but the treatments or operations could make you very sick, or in the case of surgery, kill you. This is a real gem of a place. Entrance is through a narrow staircase so don't bring bulky bags with you. Entrance is controlled through a red/green traffic light system to let you know when you can go up the stairs at your allotted time.

An interesting museum but probably not for kids. There's not very much catered for children, there's steep coiled stairs going up and down and no disabled access (of what I could see). There's good information, medical equipment and quite a few props to give an atmosphere. There's an app you can download on your phone for an actor to appear on your phone to make it more interesting (for kids). Takes about an hour and a half to go through it all, it felt like the museum didn't know if it wanted to be serious or whimsical. But it was enjoyable either way.

T. B.

Excellent museum, located up a spiral staircase that would be difficult for those with mobility issues to ascend. A fascinating insight into the profession, which would be of particular interest for those in the medical field

B. C.

Excellent little museum, particularly if you are interested in the history of medicine. Lots to look at and the staff were helpful and friendly.

L. A.

Very interesting small museum to visit. Perfect if you want to spend little time on a day. It is about 45min/1h to visit. I feel this is not for too young children though as some tools or texts/images can disturb. This is about medecine and apothecary so you know what to expect. I really enjoyed my time here and I learned some interesting stuff. I also found it well presented. You can also download an app when you arrive to have more information in the operation room. So you need your headphones as well. The quality or the VR is not super great but the info provided are interesting.

D. “. C.

Perfect, atmospheric experience for halloween. The website warns of a climb up a narrow, spiral staircase when booking, which was delightfully ancient and for me, added to our visit, as I could "ooo" and "aah" at all the original carpentry. The museum was fabulously gruesome with beautifully preserved organs on display (especially fascinating for me as I work within organ donation) and a fantastic collection of original surgical tools and medical implements to ponder over with an aromatic musty, herb infused smell in the air. The theatre itself was awe inspiring, horrifying and fascinating at the same time. The central operating table conjured fearsome thoughts, especially with its deep gauges still visible today. As I reminded my children, its only through all the horrific pain and sacrifice from others and what we now think of as barbaric procedures, did we get to where we are today. All the staff we knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming and efficient covid procedures in place. Very good value for a London attraction, if you can appreciate the history of the place.

K. S.

This museum is an absolute gem. You would barely know it’s here (it was hidden for over 100 years and you can see how!). I urge you to make sure you’re there for one of the talks in the theatre. It’s both insightful, gory and beautifully put together. So fantastic to see how far medicine and surgery has come. Thank goodness for modern medicine and the pioneers who got us here!

G. L.

This museum is very small but it gives you the idea of how close the hospital quarters were back in the day. Kids will enjoy the quizzes and 'arts and crafts'. Some of the ob-gyn 'tools' were freaky although the stairs up to the museum was probably the most terrifying part of the museum. The gift shop is a lot of fun although also very tiny. Makes you realize how far we've come in science and medicine!

A small museum housed in an attic that used to be the operating theatre of St. Thomas Hospital, but now a museum of surgical history and one of the oldest surviving operating theatres in the world. As others have mentioned, it's a steep climb to the museum due the location being a repurposed attic. There's no lift, so forget visiting if you've got mobility issues. In truth, you're not missing much, all the five star reviews not withstanding. The museum is very compact and there's two rooms plus the operating theatre. Most of the stuff is in one room and principally covers apothecary. Lots of exhibits and some have a detailed description and context. The old operating theatre was interesting to see, a bit like archeology in-situ. I took 25 minutes to get through the whole museum and this is from someone who has an interest in science and tends to read the majority of the descriptions. I reckon a great many people can get through the museum in 15 minutes. Overall, I think it's a bit overrated.

R. W.

Fascinating and hideous at the same time! If you don't have a strong stomach, probably avoid reading the explanation labels in lots of detail... The traffic light system to enter can be a bit of a lengthy process so don't bother arriving loads before your booked time as you will have to wait. Staff are pleasant and helpful and overall an educational experience.

T. L.

You must visit this quirky operating theatre and herb garret. The herb garret reminds one of Hogwarts, it is situated in an old creaky attic. You will see herbs, potions, apothecary bottles and Victorian operating instruments. The Old Operating Theatre is wonderful to see, you really are transported back in time. The spiral staircase is steep and it is a bit dark inside the herb garret but apart from that it is utterly charming and extremely interesting.

I. S.

Great and very interesting place with lot of history.

K. T.

Wonderfully welcoming staff and the talk was great. She was very knowledgeable about the history of medicine/surgery. A lot to see and well displayed. I spent about 2.5hrs there. The only entrance is up a tiny spiral staircase though.

C. W.

Very interesting place to visit. Very narrow, and quite steep, circular staircase to climb on way in, so do need to be fairly able.

K. B.

Hard to compete with so many other amazing London landmarks but this place is definitely worth a visit for anyone with an interest in the history of medicine. Great selection of old equipment and surgical tools. Very informative displays on herbal remedies and medical practice before the advent of antibiotics and sterile practices. Also impressed with the small scavenger hunt activity organized for kids.

A. W.

Climb the spiral staircase hidden beside the Shard and discover a loft filled with extraordinary artefacts and then beneath a skylight a unique Victorian operating theatre. The guides are so wonderful and so knowledgeable and have such enthusiasm for the history of the place. This is one of the few true museums in London. Not aimed at young children or idiots, it respects the intelligence of its visitors. Applause.

S. J.

What a tucked away little gem this is. If you are interested in what surgery was like before anaesthesia and antiseptics, a visit here is a must. Situated in the attic of the old St Thomas' Church, accessible via a 52 step wooden spiral staircase, was the operating theatre for the poor. Medical students would gather around to watch operations / amputations and observe surgical skills. Also in the attic is the former Herb Garret of the hospital, where herbs were dried and cured, later to be used as medicine for the patients. Our visit here left us fascinated and in awe.

C. T.

I love this museum. There's so much to explore and learn. It is fairly small yet I have been several times and always saw something new or chatted to someone who knew lots of interesting things. They also have talks in the theatre - check out the programme as some of them are absolutely brilliant and original! Attached picks are what they did for Halloween a while ago - they made pumpkins into famous disease and you had a little riddle to guess what they were. Fun, creepy and educational. Haha.

C. K.

Overall, a very nice visit. The museum was a little hard to find and I almost gave up looking forward it. After climbing the narrow 52-step spiral staircase, I entered a fascinating and educational museum. Quite a history is featured inside this hallowed roof. On first view, this place is weird and scary. Yet, as I strolled along, I gain more insight into medicine and operations in the 19th century. If you visit, I recommend attending the Victorian Surgery Talk. It features a mock surgical demonstration of how surgeries were performed during Victorian times, without anaesthesia or basic hygiene like hand-washing or antiseptics. Did I mention how happy I am I didn’t need surgery in the 19th century?

M. B.

Visited for an after-hours event.The curator Monica was very knowledgeable and entertaining. She really enjoys her job. Fascinating look at a unique piece of history.

R. G.

This place is definitely something to do in London, it is inexpensive. It is jam packed full of history and information. There is a gift shop as well. The only issue is that if you are someone who struggles with stairs or if you are with younger individuals, the only way up is a very narrow spiral stair case. The place is definitely worth going to if you can deal with the stairs.

L. K.

A fun fascinating piece of of history. It is a charming, cluttered, and run by a lovely, and enthusiastic staff. If you attend I would recommend one of their paid lectures (see their website) in lieu of just just visiting. By its very nature is completely unsuitable for many with disabilities. It is up a disorientating, long, and very steep spiral stone staircase. I feel the displays could be clearer and better suited for those with learning difficulties (I am sure this could be remedied), balance or neurological issues, those with visual impairments etc. If you are able for it - it is one of the most unusual places I have ever been!

A. L.

Fascinating museum with a collection things medical, use of herbs in medicine and of course a rather small operating theatre. You have to climb a circular staircase of 53 steps to get to museum but its worth it when you get there. Save more money by travelling by train and taking advantage of 2 for 1 deal.

L. S.

Lovely little walk around experience. Lots of interesting things to learn and the apothecary is filled with wonderful smells. Also a very sweet gift shop with humourously titled edible treats.

K. D.

Really quirky, educational place to visit for anyone interested in the history of medicine. You enter via a very narrow, winding staircase which really adds to the atmosphere of the place, however this wouldn't be suitable for people who have difficulty walking. You can wander around at your own leisure and it wasn't too busy when we visited (a Tuesday morning) so was nice and quiet and actually quite a relaxing environment. The 'herb garden' displays different natural remedies that have been used throughout the ages and is filled with information and interesting smells! My 14 year old daughter and I really enjoyed our visit and would recommend!

A. &. S. D.

Fascinating slice of history. There are narrow winding stairs to get up to the operating theatre but it's worth the climb. Packed with curios, medical instruments and gruesome things in glass jars. Brilliant.

C. “. B.

Lovely unusual welcoming museum. Covid secure. Top tip: download a QR reader before you get there for finding out more about the exhibits. Fascinating to learn about the place, herbs and surgical instruments... anyone who was anyone reinvented the forceps! Take the staircase slowly otherwise you'll get dizzy!

m. r.

Really good exhibition. Found out Myrrh is an actual thing!!

R. A.

This is a little gem of a museum, it is tucked away in a small side street, slightly difficult to find but it's definitely worth it when you do, it's tiny spiral staircase is steep and narrow lead you up to door which takes you through to the museum, sadly because of this there's no disabled access which is a shame but with the building the way it is would be hard to create such access, the museum itself is full interesting objects and the theatre room is amazing, the price for all this history is actually quite cheap, highly recommended, oh and don't forget to watch out for the ghost 😉

R. S.

Small, but interesting museum. Mostly just old medical instruments and stuff to look at, not a lot of information is provided. Warning: to access the museum, you must climb a narrow, spiral staircase several floors and come back down the same way.

M. V. S.

Great informal little place for those who like 18th c medicine and surgery. Small museum up some tiny spiral stairs that took about 1-1.5 hours. On sundays one of the docents gives a short talk.

J. M.

An Aladdins cave of medicine and remedies. While it may look small a knowledge person can spend quite a bit of time here exploring all the items and information. Even to those not in a medical profession it's a couple of steps back in time, fascinating and terrifying to see old practices!

K. F.

Nice, informative spot off the beaten path of the main tourist attractions. Price was accessible, and there is a ton of information and artifacts. I was lucky enough to go when a small school group was in, and got to witness a mock amputation which added to the experience. It was a little tricky to find, though, so keep your eyes peeled.

D. H.

What a hidden gem! Absolutely fascinating, be sure to book the Victorian Surgery talk; Gareth was a very informative and entertaining guide! Amazing to think how things used to be, and what people believed, regarding medicine until so recently.

K. G.

Very interesting place - great insight into 19th century surgical practices. Only entrance is by a narrow, spiral staircase so just be prepared to climb it! Every Saturday at 2pm there’s a talk (be sure to book in advance though) which I’d highly recommend. Museum is open every day and is great to see but I’d suggest doing the talk alongside. Museum has a little “ghost trail” for younger kids to keep them entertained. They do a lot of other interesting events too (film nights; ghost tours) so be sure to check the website!

j. b.

The actually museum is very small and can get crowded quickly, so it hard to see and read everything properly. I recommend paying for one of the talks lef on the weekends because it will put the whole museum in contents as well as give you the overall history of hospitals in london and surgeries during the Victorian age.

J. Y.

Amazing experience!! Attended a talk about the history of the place that was very funny and informative! Kelley, who greets you is the best!! Thanks so much for telling me about this place! Will send more friends to this great museum!

M. C.

Some great little artifacts, particularly enjoyed the embalmed organs. Great to be able to stand a place of such history

J. A.

Amazing museum that is a hidden gem in London. It has a tiny staircase to walk up but after that the museum has tons of 19th century surgical and medical artifacts. Would highly recommend visiting.

J. “. B.

Really interesting medical history. The demonstrations are very well paced and informative. A lovely museum to spend an hour or so, there isn't a day's worth of content here but what there is is well presented and relevant. Highly recommended!

C. S.

A well-put exhibition of medical tools and a bit of medical history. The theatre is very well-preserved and very interesting to see for medical doctors.

D. P.

Narrow spiral stair case to get up and down same way but interesting. About 30 - 45 mins walking around, we caught a demonstration of what would have have happened when having a Op. To me worth a visit

N. B.

There are at least twenty medical museums in London and this should be your first stop. Warning it is up a tight spiral staircase and there is much reading and medical information which informs the visitors as to the advances and Norris of early medicine in London .

A. L.

Great museum with lots of artifacts. It can get graphic at times and it's coming for people to get lightheaded after looking at the anatomy sections.

L. F.

Really enjoyed this spot lots of interesting things to learn. Very friendly staff and great displays.

H. S.

A small museum consisting of two rooms and a corridor with a small gift shop, but packed full of interesting medical objects and information on how herbs were used to treat ailments. The entrance is via a small, steep spiral staircase.

S. V.

Definitely a fun and off the beaten track pick for London! It's a small museum, but packed full of fun historical medical artifacts!

R. H.

I loved visiting the museum and attending the walk and talk tours. They have done an amazing job, and this was by far my favorite attraction during my stay in London (above Tower of London, British Museum, National museum, and the science museum).

K. D.

Fantastic museum, full of interesting facts and the staff are so helpful. A real highlight of our trip!

V. B.

Although the museum and medicinal herb collections are wonderful, the only access is up the historic, narrow one-way spiral staircase. Well worth the wait and climb, but not suitable for those with mobility or claustrophobia problems.

S. K.

Amazing Grace opening night was amazing ..

M. M.

I was lucky to work next door here to which they used us as a fire escape, this place is cool. The theatre itself is the best part.

V. C.

As an ex operating theatre nurse I found this place really interesting and particularly the old operating theatre inside the museum. I sent these pictures to my health visiting colleagues!

J. K.

Really interesting displays of real medical items from the past. An excellent hour spent here. Small but well worth the visit.

L. C. C.

A nice memory of the past. Make sure you visit before you are too old to climb the antique spiral staircase to access the place

C. O. r.

Very informative and fun ! Very narrow stairs to get to top so be careful

G. R.

Good for younger viewers.. Place could do with a tidy up and all displays could be revamped and have correct details put next to all items as this is very annoying while walking around with so many little items to look at.. Other than that quite informative and Lots to look at.. Plenty to see.. Nice history lesson.. helpful friendly staff.. Lovely Jubbly..

L. L.

Wonderful place to wander and explore - and great staff to talk to. I really liked that most things were just out and not behind walls of glass - it really feels welcoming.

Y. H.

Top notch history in a small setting up St Thomas' Herb Garret. Medical marvel's and relics and the world's oldest operating theatre.

E. D. V.

I really enjoyed the visit to this small yet unique museum. The museum is on top of what used to be a Church and climbing the wooden circular staircase felt like being on a time trip.. :) They also organise interesting talks.

F. E.

A total fantastic experience. Teens loved it and out of all our London experiences this was the best!!

r. c.

Great experience especially as Guys has performed 2 major spine surgery's on me enabling me to walk again. How gar has medicine come???

A. S.

One of my favorite places to visit in London! So cool to immerse yourself in this space

G. P.

This is a real hidden gem, very interesting place to visit to see how medical treatment has developed.

S. F.

A museum that is a little bit different, low cost to enter and a good way to spend 45minutes to an hour.

J. H.

Interesting, takes about an hour, note there's no toilets there.

S. S.

Just a fantastic experience from start to finish! Total step back in time! I'm only glad we have moved on in surgery, as some of the instruments used were scary. Staff were great and very informative. Definitely will be returning!

L. P.

A great museum and beautiful place. Fully worth it!

S. S.

Excellent history last of a kind, worth a visit, creepy and frightening.

S. D.

Highly recommend the talk on weekends, really gives you an understanding of operations for doctors, students and patients. All bought to life in an actual old operating theatre. The little museum is good too, but you’ll get more out of your visit listening to the talk. Note: the stairs up are very narrow!

D. T.

Great value for money, extremely interesting, engaging staff. Fantastic flight of stairs to climb but thoroughly recommend.

P. G.

Quirky little place up tiny winding staircase. Entrance is door is to the left of the wine bar - not very obvious. Loads of random apothecary items with endearing & engaging hand-made signs. Nothing outstanding but suitably Dickensian. Staff were very friendly and enthusiastic - visibly loved the place. Nothing like smart modern museums but all the more charming for that. Perhaps not for everyone but I thoroughly enjoyed my visit.

It's really small but I found myself wandering there for something like 1 hour. To get there there are a lot of narrow steps so it's not the ideal place for elders or children but if you manage to get the kids up there, there is a really cute quest around the museum that the museum staff organized for the younger audience. The stories, the spaces and the tools that are shown are incredibly worth the (low) price of the entrance. Super recommended.

J. T.

Absolutely amazing! If you are in London be sure to visit!

K. A.

Amazing, and well worth the trip up (and down) the old, spiral staircase. Would not reccomend if you have mobility issues (due to the stairs). Very interesting collection of items, and a great talk by a staff member, which explained some historical surgical tools in great detail. Even have kids activities! Nice little gift shop too!

S. L.

Great talk about Victorian surgery - you have to be there to have the feel of what it was like which a talk alone cannot convey. Also nice to see some example instruments of the short that were used to perform the operations. Fairly small museum but rich in fascinating history. The staircase is very small and winding so not suitable for anyone who may have problems with lots of stairs. Overall a great place to visit which should take a couple of hours including the talk. Located just by London Bridge station so really easy to get to.

H. G.

My wife who was a student at Guys many years ago decided to take a look at this museum with the children. A little difficult to find- but once you’re there and up the tiny spiral staircase, you enter a bygone era. The curators and staff have made this a little gem. There are many instruments on display, herbs to touch and smell, old photos and jars of bygone medicaments & the operating theatre itself is amazing. Never take modern medicine for granted- the years of dedication and labour by many has developed our understanding and treatment of illness and injury. This place will give you an insight into that world. The staff are very friendly and informative.

A. B.

The exhibit alone is okay, but if you experience the talk it really comes alive and is well worth it!

S. B.

Very interesting place. Would not like to have had an operation in those days.

K. H.

While I personally found this very interesting, it is just a few small rooms. Not at all wheelchair friendly, as you have to climb a spiral staircase to get in, but if you are able to get in then it's a neat little time capsule, and really shows just how far we have come in medicine. Some of the information about the surgeries was positively hair raising! I would recommend for anyone with an interested in history or medicine.

M. A.

A small and inexpensive place to visit that is packed full of history

s. d.

Very interesting history good value for money paid

S. B.

Great hidden gem of London. One of the lesser visited museums. Worth the entry fee, even though it is small. We were lucky to sit in on a lecture for medical students which was fascinating and the lady who gave the talk was great. Would recommend trying to go when there are talks on. There is a strong smell of herbs in the apothecary part, so just be warned.

D. S.

Fascinating place to visit.

C. B.

If you have a medical or scientific background or are a history buff,well worth a visit. However if you have a mobility problem then you would find it very difficult to access.

Z. P.

A unique place that not many people know about.

S. S.

Just a fantastic experience from start to finish! Total step back in time! I'm only glad we have moved on in surgery, as some of the instruments used were scary. …

V. B.

E. D. V.

D. T.

Great value for money, extremely interesting, engaging staff. Fantastic flight of stairs to climb but thoroughly recommend.

J. B.

We turned up and managed to listed to a presentation for a visiting group. Really liked the Herb Garret

H. S.

L. E.

Charming little museum that I would recommend everyone visits. They also run a great selection of talks, which I really missing getting to go to at the moment! They staff are always lovely and helpful.

M. T.

Amazing little museum hidden away close to the London Bridge tube station. It's the only genuine 19th century operating theatre in Europe (opened in 1822 and closed in 1860s). The best way to see it is to attend the Victorian Surgery Demonstration Talk - very entertaining and educational. Access to the museum is via a long and very narrow spiral staircase so I'm not sure how accessible it is to people with limited mobility.

D. W.

Well worth my visit to London, didn't disappoint the tour we booked was great. My grandson who is 13 was so interested that after the talk, we had to find the Lady speaker so he could thank her and ask some more questions. Great would go back for another visit.

L. G.

Indeed a magnificent little gem in London, definitely worth a visit

S. W.

Fascinating insight into the history of medicine. Well worth the visit.

J. W.

Fascinating insight into medicine and surgery in a bygone age

H. A.

Excellent little museum. Only for the able bodied due to a very steep, very narrow spiral staircase, but otherwise a fascinating glimpse of surgery and herbal medicine in times past. Well worth a visit.

C. B.

If you have a medical or scientific background or are a history buff,well worth a visit. However if you have a mobility problem then you would find it very difficult to access.

S. P.

I visited for a talk on old time medical charlatans, who would claim things such as giving birth to rabbits. It was a very fascinating and fun talk, which took place in the operating theater. Although built for standing, you can easily sit comfortably as well. They host many events in here, and even a few movie nights, which I hope to return to. The exhibit area outside the theatre room is absolutely amazing! From the actual construction of the room (high peaked ceiling made from timber) to the medical artifacts on display. You'll definitely leave happy to not have been born in the times of these medical devices. The women working here were so friendly and full of knowledge, be sure to ask them loads of questions!

C. A.

A very "old style" museum, a collection of curios' , weird, odd, strange and creepy items relating to operations and "health care" from across the ages. Little detail, no signs or exhibits...therefore not too interesting for the kids...but a huge collection. The operating theatre itself is impressive to see, but again no tour, no signage. Be ward there are also VERY steep and narrow spiral staircase....part of the charm for us but I can image some people not liking it.

M. P.

Great little museum, up a narrow tower of stairs. Fascinating collection of medical items, treatments, and info on Guys & St Thomas's hospital. Lots of super interesting educational stuff. The theatre itself is very evocative. Highly recommended.

J. R.

Very interesting and friendly staff, good value for money! Beware of the steps up though - but I suppose a free workout is included!

A hidden gem, but not for anyone who isn't find for spiral staircases! I'm not going to spoil much, but it is literally hidden from you. Ask about and you may find it (If you don't, it's a tiny spiral staircase in the left of the entrance to the building). The exhibits are fantastic (I never thought I'd say that about an infected colon!) and give a great insight into surgical history. Great if paired with the Hunterian Museum (it reopens in 2019). Oh yes, and not for the squeamish, but that might be obvious.

L. D.

Hidden gem, you won't know it's there unless you look for it, worth seeing if you are into history of medicine and operating. Loads of old equipment and information, the lecture is very engaging as well. Climbing up the narrow and spiral stairs is another experience.

A. R.

This place is so interesting with an amazing history. The facilitator of the talk was lovely and fascinated us with her storytelling skills. We love this kind of historic marbles that are spread around London. I'd definitely come again to other activities that The Old Operating Theatre offers.

M. S.

This museum is set in an interesting space and feels atmospheric. I tagged along with a guide who was very knowledgeable about how the theatre used to be used and the social conditions back at the time when it was in use. It was easy to imagine the gallery packed with 100 medical students jostling to see how the operations were done. It's reasonably small but has some interesting exhibits and anyone with an interest in the subject would probably enjoy a visit.

C. H.

Amazing location, so much to see/read, could have spent hours there. It is 54 steps up through a very restricted spiral staircase. Those with claustrophobia or restricted mobility may want to give it a miss.

J. B.

Fascinating details of early medicine. Well worth going to one of the weekly talks

F. S.

One thing to note is that it isn't easy to get to. The staircase up to the Operating Theatre is a very narrow steep spiral staircase. However the museum itself is fascinating, and anyone interested in anatomy, medicine or anything generally macabre like myself would love it. Having never seen an operating theatre before, it was thought provoking and interesting to see.

A. L.

What a wonderful find, came down to london and came across the Museum. Booked the Victorian Surgery talk as well. The museum is brilliant and laid out in the roof space of the old St Thomas' Hospital, 100's of things are grouped together and labeled, with fascinating hospital artifacts from victorian times. The theatre talk took about an hour and the presenter was very good and made the talk interesting and very descriptive when it came to how the victorians would amputate a limb ! It's a relatively small museum, with the visit, talk took us just over 2 hours. There's no cafe or toilets on site but there's a small shop selling the usual museum souvenirs, Access is via a steep spiral staircase so unfortunately not accessible to wheel or pushchairs. Loved the visit.

E. L.

Really enjoyed our visit today - an hour very well spent.

S. C.

Very interesting place and surprisingly cheap to enter Feb 2019 £10 for adult and child under 18. I would not recommend if you cannot walk very well. As you have to walk up a very tight narrow spiral stair case that seems to go around about 5 times to get to it, this is the only way in. Shows all the old herds etc and explanations of how these where used to help patients ailments. Plus old theatre tools very horrific looking, some of them. It also has human specimens of a brain cut in half etc in fluid in see through containers. Has auditorium room like Doctors observation of surgical procedures. Like you see in Victorian films that show you the early treatments of the operations. Like aputations etc so other doctors can see how to do these and try to save lives. It has been totally gutted and restated to look like an original theatre as close as possible. It is about a 7 min walk from London Bridge station. I would recommend this if you are interested in this sort of thing. But it does not take that long to see roughly around a hour would see it all, as not an enormous place. It's built in the roof of the still used hospital underneath.

C. O.

I came here on a school-organized trip and was given a very informative tour and history lesson of the Old Operating Theatre. We were even shown an original set of tools used by surgeons/barbers! The other exhibits were also labelled with interesting nuggets of information. I think this museum deserves to be more publicized, especially among the medical community.

K. G.

Fantastic exhibits. Book in advance for the Victorian surgery talk as it does get quite busy - the chap that does it is excellent. £6.50 for adults - cheap and worth it. The steps to it are a little precarious so don't bring people that struggle with mobility.

B. J.

Such a little gem! Enthusiastic staff. They hold a historical enactment on the severing of a leg and you can volunteer! Lay on the old operating table while all the students around you wonder at this educational surgery! No blood involved you will be glad to know that no pain was given thus time (but they had done so in the past times) as clearly described by the museum attendant. Educational, provided you are not too sqeemish about operations!

C. B.

Was great.A wealth of information and instruments.....many I can recognise as in use today.Plenty of things out of interest none medical peeps too.

N. H.

Quite a short experience (about an hour if you look at everything, with 3 rooms total) and without direction around the exhibits. Note the 50 steps up a very small and steep spiral staircases means that access is limited to those with impaired movement.

A. M.

the place is really nice. the woman that works there was also nice to me, given that I don't speak english very well. overall the museum is beautiful and some things gave me shivers because it's kind of scary to know what the doctors had to do to deal with illnesses and so. there is also a game you can play, which makes the visiting even better

C. F.

Really interesting to visit. It’s small but has a lot inside.The lady at the counter of the gift shop was extremely friendly and told me about a lot of the history of the place. The only dislike was the stairs to it but that adds to the effect of it really. A must visit for anyone into medical history!

R. S.

Small but fascinating - 2 rooms. Lots of steps to climb to get there, but worth it. Try and catch a talk as these are brilliant. A bit niche in its appeal but if you like medical history like me it's definitely worth it.

D. W.

Fascinating little museum at the top of a steep spiral staircase. Lots of curios from its past as part of St Thomas hospital. We did the the Victorian surgery talk which was very interesting and well worth doing.

m. h.

I've lived in London for years, passed this place so many times and didn't even know it was there. The collection is really good, makes you realise how far we've come! I'd recommend going when there is a tour you can tag onto though as it makes such a difference having someone explain the history of the operating room.

d. f.

It's a great little find, especially if you're going to the Shard, which is a minute walk away. Worth booking the talk. The stairs are steep and there's no toilet but don't let this put you off. A great hour and a half.

M. B.

This is a hidden gem; a small but rich experience in the heart of London Bridge; only accessible via a precarious 52-step-spiral-staircase, Europe's oldest surviving operating theatre is tightly squeezed into a roof attic with a huge skylight (which floods the room with natural light). For £6.50 I attended a live talk on Victorian surgical procedures; whilst remaining grotesque this was also fascinating due to their highly knowledgable staff who allow you to handle the original surgical tools. The other half of the museum is a collection of medicinal paraphernalia ranging from medicines made from garden herbs to ominous looking leach jars. It's sheer wonder anyone survived back then!

G. C.

Very good! Interesting and enlightening talk which brought it all to life. A pint of brandy given to patients after an operation to numb the pain! Well displayed artefactsThe tour added to the visit giving context and much to reflect on. Thoroughly enjoyable.

J. B.

We turned up and managed to listed to a presentation for a visiting group. Really liked the Herb Garret

P. P.

Wonderful small museum. Lots of curiosities and interesting background info. Access is up a long steep spiral staircase - but well worth it if you can make it to the top.

F. A.

Great stopping place for interesting medical history. Its 52 steps up a steep tower staircase. Steep climbing trip so be in shape. Lots of tools, medicines, specimens and photographs of 1800's medical experimentation. Not for weak of heat or health.

B. K.

Fairly small museum but rich in fascinating history. The staircase is very small and winding so not suitable for anyone who may have problems with lots of stairs.

R. J.

Located in the roof of a church and reached via a twisting, spiral staircase the Old Operating Theatre Museum is a real find. It isn't massive, but it's atmospheric and the exhibits are great for information. The staff themselves are friendly and informed, which always adds to the enjoyment of a visit to a place such as this.

K. T.

Fascinating place - the operating theatre has a gruesome history and the herb garret is excellent. With displays of various assorted body parts as well as the history of herbalism and where so many of our modern day medications still come from.

C. G.

Very interesting place to visit, lots to see inside there with plenty of information and specimens. You need to climb a narrow spiral staircase to get in so be aware of that. Friendly staff and it's generally not too busy, definitely worth a visit.

M. C.

A spooky place that will for sure give you the shiver. Considering this is what medical treatment looked like some decades ago, it is great to be alive in the 21st century. But have a look for yourself.... Great adventure for one of those rainy days in London.

S. L.

Highly recommend making sure to visit at the time of the talk through. Really makes a difference to the experience hearing the stories behind the theatre and hospital. The lady we had today was very articulate and with her enthusiasm for the place, kept us hella intrigued.

A. S.

This museum is exactly what you’d expect Europe’s oldest operating theatre to be like. And I mean that in the best way possible. You enter the museum via a very steep, winding staircase (I have a head for heights but it still made me nervous) and go through a small gift shop before getting to the actual museum. Don’t be put off by the seemingly small size – there’s an awful lot of stuff to keep visitors occupied. And it’s all wonderfully creepy.

L. C.

This was definitely one of the best experiences I've had in London. The host Monica was enthusiastic, passionate and lively. She brought the history to life, which there is a lot of! 10/10.

L. d.

Wonderful little museum. The Victorian surgery talk is fantastic: only takes place on saturdays at 14:00 and sundays at noon, make sure to witness this very interesting lecture. Loved my visit.

J. K.

Very intresting and small little theatre. Very detailed texts and a small scavenger hunt. We saw that in the operation theatre some guide was showing how the operations looked like but i suppose you have to ask for the guide? since he was only giving the tour for two people. a little confusing, since nowhere is it written that you can get a guide.

L. C.

Small, very small, but worth a visit.

A. A. C.

A hidden treasure of London. The oldest operating theatre in Europe which shows how operations and treatments were performed in the late Hanoverian and Victorian eras. Interesting lectures given in the actual theatre where grim procedures took place and lots of exhibits in the garret next door. Very reasonably priced, tucked away next to The Shard and a very short walk from Borough Market. The spiral staircase is impossible for anyone who isn't able bodied. Fascinating.

G. S.

The biggest challenge if finding this place as construction in the area has removed all the signs. It is on the opposite side of the street than the hospital. Look for the small sign, then up the old bell tower stairs to the old theater. Tons of drying herbs on the herb area with descriptions of them and their use. All the equipment needed to make pills and lozenges from them. Then to the operating theater. We had a great lecture about how it all worked. You see the tables they used and the equipment. The gift shop has book about this time period. Then down the bell tower stairs to get back out.

F. Y.

Excellent. Really informative museum. I was lucky enough to catch a talk, which really brought the place to life and explained a few things. Really reasonable entry. The stairs are a bit of a killer though!!

B. S.

A wonderful, quirky, informative museum! Fascinating insight into the development of medicine, and the challenges faced by patients and medical practitioners, in the 19th Century. Access is via a steep spiral staircase.

A. P.

I was looking for something off the beaten track and a little less hyped up. This delivered. It was very interesting. The casual feel of the presentation made me feel relaxed and enticed into probing further with some of the exhibits. It's location took me to a part of London I probably wouldn't have visited. The Borough Market is just a round the corner and great for good quality street fair. I also visited The Clink Prison which is just a stones throw away and makes a good combo.

F. T.

This is a wonderfully odd little gem of a museum; so many fascinating medicines, specimens, and old (and scary!) surgical instruments, crammed into a very small space at the top of a steep, narrow spiral staircase that you'd expect to find in Harry Potter.The centerpiece is, of course, the operating theatre: standing there where students and doctors would have stood to watch surgeries, I was cast back in time--the imagination runs rampant thinking about what went on there, in those days before annesthesia and antisceptics. Thought-provoking, and well worth the admission price.

S. T. G.

A very interesting little museum, just make sure you don't meet anyone on the narrow staircase on your way up or down. Tons of artifacts in a rather small space. Not only an operating theatre, but also a history of medicine area.

J. M.

Would rate five if I could have found the turtle. Some rather ghoulish insights into medical practices of the past that make you thankful for modern medicine. Not free, but worth the entry to keep this little piece of history alive. Has a restored medical theatre where you can relive what it must have been like to witness the earliest medical science, including amputations without anaesthesia.

H. B.

Fab visit today , well worth a visit .we were lucky to be there while a talk went on in the old operating theatre , excellent.

N. B.

Went to one of the evening talks which was fantastic. The speaker told the story of the theatre really well, she really painted a picture of what surgery was like in that age.

D. T.

A very disappointing place to visit. Concession rates for entry were given to one of my party, but reluctantly. We were also sternly told that we should have announced it was one student earlier. (We had only just walked up the stairs, and the person on the desk had actually taken it upon herself to ring up our entry prior to us speaking). The exhibit itself was rather neglected and pretty dusty/grubby. Hopefully this improves as it could have been wonderful.

S. F.

Quirky little place filled with random stuff!

C. O.

Really fun and informative museum

L. T. G.

Small, but fascinating and interesting museum.

Normally it would cost to go in but went to the FLESH exhibition which included free entry so got a chance to go up these spiral wooden stairs. It was a lovely place up there and the performance was good.

F. A.

Agree with other reviewers... Quirky old building full of interesting facts and tools used in past centuries for medicine and operations. The talks seem good although had only wondered through...definitely worth a visit for something different from the usual museums in London.

P. R.

Excellent tour. If you're interested in medical history it's well worth a visit. Make sure you book when the guide is there to explain everything though.

R. A.

This is the oldest surviving operating theatre in Europe. We managed to piggyback a school tour and were treated to a very informative talk about early medicine and surgery, making this all the more special. There many static exhibits showing how surgery has progressed over the centuries.

J. B.

Fascinating. If you can make it up the staircase, there is a time capsule back into 19th century medicine. It's really interesting, and just gruesome enough to keep kids interested.

A. L.

The museum host its own events as well as those for other organisers. It looks rather untouched from since the medieval times and just takes you back in time. The lecture theatre where the doctors used to demonstrate dissection is a HOT little room, the herb garret is fascinating - a must-see/do in bustling London Bridge.

T. C.

Lovely small museum. Good to visit with kids of all ages. They will find it interesting and you can be done within an hr if you are in a hurry.

L. G.

Very interesting and well worth a look only moments from Borough market

S. A.

Climb the windy staircase up to the Old Operating Theatre and be amazed by the unique and quirky artefacts. See how horrific operations would have been in the past, before the times of anaesthetics and antiseptics. The smells of the herb garrets transport you to a different time. Better than I expected and definitely recommended!

T. W.

Interesting collection of old medical equipment discovered in a disused area of an old monastery which later became part of the female operating theatre of St Thomas's. One of the oldest surviving operating theatres in the world. Nb it's up about 40 v narrow spiral stairs to get to the the museum

L. L. D.

Loved the unique museum! Such a fascinating insight into how far the field of medicine has come!

A. K.

You will need to head up a steep spiral staircase to get to this small but interesting museum. You will get a sense of some of the practices of 19th Century surgery and medicine.

T. P.

Great little museum. I popped in unexpectedly, and found a real treasure! The operating theatre itself is pretty fantastic, and the rest of the museum is laid out as a medical cabinet of curiosities. Worth a visit.

J. G. T.

It took me a while to find the place, but it was amazing. I loved the exposition and specially the operating theatre. The gift shop has excellent options and the staff is really nice. I highly recommend this place.

J. H.

LOVED it here, amazing space and bigger than expected. Managed to listen to the guided tour for a bit which was hugely informative. Hang around for that if you can, especially the part in the theatre.

M. S.

An interesting and informative visit. Staff were helpful and friendly. The talk at the end which is held in the old operating theatre is particularly good. Well worth a visit.

J. S.

Not for the squeamish perhaps, and not on the usual to-see list of tourists, but worth a visit. Marvel at the foundations of antiseptic surgery (Lister's original equipment) and nursing (Nightingale's records), along with early pharmacy and operations without anaesthetic. For doctors and patients of chronic curiosity.

G. L. P.

Once the home of grizzly operations of St Thomas’ Hospital, this is Britain’s oldest operating theatre. Think of a time before anaesthetic, biting the bullet and all; well you’ll see all the relevant old surgical instruments here. Shudder. It was founded by one Richard Mead, a doctor of St Thomas, who had an interesting cure for venereal diseases. Snail water anyone? It’s up in the roof of a beautiful English Baroque church, complete with wooden spectator galleries. It is the oldest operating theatre in Europe, the entrance staircase itself it's worth the visit. This is the place to thank God for morphine.

K. G.

Small museum but packed with a lot of good information. Be careful - many small steps on the spiral staircase going up and up and up. Not handicap accessible.

R. K.

Very interesting experience, intrigued by the collections would definitely recommend.

D. S.

This is tiny, book the talk at the end of the day though if you want to make this worth going up the spiral staircase. Great staff, interesting collection.

Great little museum. £6 entry is suitable. If you can, go on a weekend as talks are given within the operating theatre offering a fascinating insight to hospital practices of a bygone era.

R. O.

Fascinating and informative

E. V.

Wonderful & unusual niche museum. Pretty much everything about it is unique. Try to get to the hugely engaging weekly lecture on Saturday afternoon if you can

a. t.

Great food! Super tasty dishes! We've asked our waiter for recommendations. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable on the menu. I'm definitely going back!

T. P.

Kind of small but packed with interesting artifacts. The staff was very friendly and gave an awesome demonstration of some of the operations equipment. You could tell they were very knowledgeable.

G. E.

Outstanding lecture about the early history of surgery. Interesting collection of instruments and medical 'cures' in the small museum attached.

e. g.

Short sweet snd very interesting right from the stairs at the entry.

M. J.

Enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Alot of history. Would recommend.

A must-see for anyone interested in historical methods of surgery. I went on a day that came with a talk by the historians on the fascinating history of bodysnatching in London in association with local hospitals, and it was memorable.

M. P.

There are many instruments on display, herbs to touch and smell, old photos and jars of bygone medicaments & the operating theatre itself is amazing.

J. L. S.

Amazing hidden gem with plenty of medical knowledge and quirky facts up for grabs. Highly recommended for any fan of medicine, history or both!

S. B.

Super interesting, hidden through a doorway you could easily miss!!

P. a. K. B.

Well worth an hour or two of your time to explore this recently rediscovered gem. If you manage to catch one of the many talks then all the better.

M. M.

Really good to see the history of surgery and medicine especially if you're in healthcare. Might be boring for people not in healthcare. Make sure you take the time to read some of the reading materials there - some amazing accounts of surgeries!

K. S.

A bit quirky, the talk about surgery in the 1800s was really interesting, not to mention done with humor. Try to plan your visit to coincide with one of the talks

R. M. A.

Wonderful museum ! The building is so old ! Seeing what they have to do a surgery in the past makes us appreciate what we have nowadays 😅

B. G.

Not an all day thing but a great little museum that's a bit hidden away. Not usually many people there but doesn't take much for it to get crowded. Catch one of the talks if you can.

S. K.

Great little museum, learned a lot about what hospitals used to be like and the instruments/herbs that were used. The winding staircase and the heat once up there can leave you feeling a bit dizzy.

D. M.

This is a small museum, but if you get onto one of the weekend talks (reserve ahead of time via call or email), it’s definitely worth it!

B. C.

We went to the Sunday midday talk by Monica - she was a fantastic speaker, so engaging and entertaining. Would recommend her very highly!

M. h.

Compact but fascinating museum

P. K.

Probably not worth the £6.50 entry fee just to see inside the Operating Theatre and Herb Attic, but good value for money if you attend one of the talks, which lasts about 1¼ hours, and is interesting.

G. W.

One of London's undiscovered gems! Such an interesting little museum. Learning about the brutality of early medicine was fascinating, if a little gory!!

D. D.

A great gem of a place that we stumbled upon whilst waiting to go up the Shard. My wife found it fascinating, as a Microbiologist, whilst I found the old operating theatre intriguing.

I. E.

Fascinating history of the surgeons work with lots of their equipment and medicines, BUT it has a very narrow and steep spiral staircase so not accessible for everybody

Cute small authentic museum, close to Kings College and the Shard - quite pricey as no need to spend more than 20 minutes there.

J. M.

A museum in oldest operating theatre in London, up a winding staircase and full of medical curios from the past. Try and go to an event in the theatre itself, a incredibly atmospheric experience.

Fascinating place. Quite steep single person spiral staircase to enter and leave. Neither good for those of weak stomachs!

K. S.

Step back in time to the earliest days of medicine. Fascinating look at surgery, and treatments once used. Access via steep stairs. Entrance easily passed by

D. S.

Fascinating place to visit.

J. W.

Really good value museum with a fascinating talk in the operating theatre by enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable staff. Highly recommended for both medics and everyone else!

D. G. B.

The museum is full of weird and interesting stuff and the talk we attended was really fun, informative and the hostess delivered it amazingly.

L. Z.

Fascinating place. I had the opportunity to see their lecture inside the operating theater and it was very interesting, the guide was great.

F. Y.

Second visit. Really interesting museum. I was lucky enough to catch a talk in the theatre as well, which was really interesting and I learned a lot from it.

S. F.

Great museum of the history of pharmacy and surgery in London

D. B.

Surgery as it was at the time. Small operating theater by today's standards. Lots of cases under glass with unusual and noteworthy items

K. (. C.

I enjoyed being operated on by the tour guide, fun and quirky in the demonstration and being able to see the operating tools up close was brilliant

K. A.

Awesome alternative site in London! Definitely visit during one of the director's talks, it gives you a unique insight into London life centuries ago!

Z. P.

A unique place that not many people know about.

d. k.

Went with parents who are both in the medical profession it was more of their thing it was interesting to see how things were done and just how far things have come along since then my one main complaint would be the steps to get up to it its like going to top of a lighthouse spiral steps so close together plus the location is not very well sign posted other than that its a nice place to visit

J. S.

It is a hidden gem in the heart of London Bridge. The best way to enjoy it is with a tour or a talk, where they explain you how was life at the time and how did they carry some of the operations.

R. T. c.

Very interesting place to go and visit, opened my eyes to how surgery was done in the Victorian period. So experimental

M. J.

You have to visit it! It is authentic!

M. T.

A bit alternative and off the normal tourist trail. A lot of odd exhibits including vampires and dragons. Nice and cheap so definitely worth a visit.

J. D. S.

Fantastic museum and even better public talk. Those medically interested would definitely relish visiting here

P. R.

Enjoyed the visit very wiered stuff on show fantastic to see if you have an hour to spare it's a must see

T. G.

Creepy and weird, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. It certainly made me appreciate the advances of modern medicine.

M. E.

Small museum but crammed with very interesting information about the development of pharmacology and surgical practice. Worth a visit!

J. W.

Interesting museum that's worth a visit. Be warned that the only access is via a very narrow, steep spiral staircase.

G. D.

Really interesting museum. The talk and demonstration of 18th and 19th century operating techniques on Saturday and Sunday is particularly interesting.

P. C.

Really interesting, lots of info about old medical practises and a massive amount of info on apothecary / medicinal herbs. Well worth a visit!

M. S.

Small but really interesting... Well worth a visit very close and easy to get to from London Bridge. I will go again

B. W.

For those with a taste for history and medical practice this is a place where you can meet both. Good for a visit and nice presentation.

J. B.

I really enjoyed seeing this little piece of history. I will caution though, the herb smell is very strong and I had to leave fairly quickly because it was making me feel sick.

M. C.

Almost missed it coz it's tucked away. Very small but very interesting. Makes u realise how far we've come. I would go again.

C. W.

Really interesting museum. The talk and demonstration of 18th and 19th century operating techniques on Saturday and Sunday is particularly interesting

B. D.

Very interesting to view things of old. Sometimes not much has changed! A must for anyone in the health profession.

J. D.

Well worth the admission. Fascinating view into hospitals for the poor and not so poor 140 years ago.

R. H.

Full of weird medical curiosities. An impressive collection and great historical significance. Some very interesting stories. Not for kids.

R. B.

Fascinating little museum, well worth a visit if you have an hour or two to spare.

A. S.

It's Not just you: Health care costs more Every year ... an aging population (old people use more health care) and economic Prosperity (the richer we ...

S. J.

Very interesting - unusual location in the roof of a church - extremely informative lunchtime talk (need to book)

D. V.

This place is surprisingly tiny. But all in all a great experience and some fantastic history to learn

J. S.

Definitely worth a visit!

M. A.

I would probably not pay full price. But it was interesting and creepy to see. Takes about 30 min to walk through

Fantastic museum to spend an hour. It's very small but there's lot to see in a very compact space.

D. a. D. T.

Great interesting historic place, fascinating .very cheap to get in, if you visit borough market you must visit this place.👍

K. M.

Unless you have the London Pass or some other discount, I would suggest skipping. Probably interesting to medical students but over-priced and small for all others.

G. U.

One of the hidden gems of London. Full of fascinating information about how awful and painful it was to be a patient in the past. Not for the faint hearted.

s. c.

Great once you've climbed the rickety stairs, well worth a visit though.

S. S.

Great to see how things were back in the olden days so glad with the progress time has made very eye opening not for the faint hearted

K. M.

The 2pm Saturday talk by the curator was fantastic, really brings the place to life. I highly recommend going on a Saturday for this reason.

J. V.

Intriguing and a wealth of information. Really loved the tour and so much to take in. Looking for something different then please go and visit soon.

J. I.

Fascinating place, displaying the medicine, tools, practices of 18th century London. It's in an upstairs portion of Old St Thomas church.

P. B.

Loved it. So hidden away and a steep climb but worth it! Incredible hidden gem.

R. S.

Surgery in 1800? The talented tour speaker will bring you back in time and find out how it would have been like.

E. G.

Nice place to know medicine from the past

J. M.

Very good collection of antique medical procedures, tools and drugs.

V. C.

Great museum to take kids to, though some scary implements on display.

E. N.

The Invading sense of time traveling and the more than astonishing perception of a singular history. My favorite museum for sure.

M. H.

Very interesting talk and museum itself, certainly has a character.

P. G.

Excellent demonstration, interesting museum

A. L.

Really interesting to see instruments etc on how surgery used to be performed in the past Really fully of information, worth a visit

A. M. (. S.

Great, of interest to everyone. They ask that no photos are taken of pathology specimens, but the signs are very small and easy to miss.....

R. A.

Nice historical museum, lots of different thing to see in a couple of hours

R. R.

Highly reccomend a visit - especially attending one of the weekly talks ! Very interesting !

I. H.

Extremely informative, an insight to and precursor to modern operating procedure and pharmaceutical provision in the health services, a hidden gem.

P. G.

Quirky & lots of interesting exhibits. Even my teenage children were engrossed.

Small but fun.

M. G.

Lovely. Very interesting. Enough for a 1hour visit ( 2 for enthusiastics)

S. C.

Interesting place to visit but quite small you could see it all in about an hour and a half

D. C.

An interesting sight. But the climb up a narrow spiral staircase is challenging.

R. H.

Awesome atmospheric building hidden away from the world. Could do with a bit more information and explanation about the exhibits.

S. T.

Love this place it is a must visit for any person who loves learning about history especially in the 'medical' field.

J. P.

Steep soiral staricase to get in here due to the location. It's a hidden gem, well worth the visit.

W. M.

Fun and informative, totally worth the visit for a window into the past!

B. M.

Very interesting place. Even the climb up those rickety stairs

D. C.

Incredibly interesting! I'd walked past the entrance hundreds of times and never realised it was there.

K. E.

Just by St Thomas's hospital my far from the Shard. A little bit of medical history. Tight windy stairs to reach it.

A. S.

If you happen to be there during the presentation that takes place in the theatre, don't miss it, it is the best part.

P. C.

Lots of amazing old medical utensils. Tough stair case to climb, but worth it.

G. D.

Very interesting, if a bit on the grim side. Great talk by one of the staff members.

W. A.

Very knowledgeable staff and neat exhibits. The history was great.

G. M.

Really interesting place to visit. Awkward staircase to gain access.

L. F.

Brilliant. Great talk about the good old days and surgery. Lots of stuff to look at.

As I want to be a surgeon it was interesting to discover the history of medicine!

A. B.

Very interesting place to visit. Watch out for the stairs!

N. L.

Second visit after over ten years- still loved it.

R. S.

Very interesting!!

D. L.

So interesting and scarey to read about how life used to be if you needed an operation!

B. O.

Very interesting place....it felt like i had stepped back in time. Everything seemed authentic.

M. J.

One of the most bizzare places in London - the victorian operating theatre in the attic of church.

B. B.

Unique and interesting insight into health treatment in the 18th / 19th century

I. Y.

Informative and interactive museum. Had a lot of fun here :)

J. L.

Curious museum with interesting artefacts from Victorian era medicine.

P. P.

Excellent guide tours, be sure to book in advance.

P. B.

What a great and most interesting little museum

K. P.

Very small . Pricey. Cramped ... BUT ... so evocative and delightful!

R. G.

Enjoyed the tour/talk. Very interesting place.

A. J.

Worth to visit if you are interested in medical science. Not expensive

Great tour, really interesting history!

C. O.

Great if you like a bit of medical history and gore.

D. J.

Fairly small but very interesting & worth a visit

S. C.

What a brilliant place, especially if you are interested in medicine

T. N.

A large collection of implements that combine to make me most grateful that I was not born in an earlier century.

S. O.

Cool space, excellent lecture on the history of London's hospitals

s. c.

A lot of knowledge you can imagine how crazy and mad at the museum

M. R.

Interesting, an hour or so was enough to see everything at a reasonable pace.

E. R. J.

Small place, but interesting. It's expensive ticket to entrance .£6.50

t. s.

Fascinating but beware steep stairs!

B. F.

Stairs to the garret could be a challenge but fantastic little gem

T. R.

Pretty awesome operating theater with interesting and morbid artifacts

K. K.

Great place - A must-see for a med student

G. W.

Fascinating little museum well worth a visit

For everyone who is interested to see an old operating theatre.

J. P.

Great and unexpected, horrific history moment but very informative!

M. S.

It's a bit small but there is a lot crammed into the small space

O. G.

Thoroughly recommend. Sunday tour was a real treat

R. A.

A must do if you are in the neighbourhood a good hour spent

J. F.

Interesting hour finding out about the begining of surgical procedures in this country.

R. K.

Fascinating museum. Lovely building.

I. B.

Very interesting. Yay for medical advancements

T. D.

Fascinating, hidden gem of a museum, very interesting!

D. K.

Great place, great talk in the theatre, kids loved it.

J. K.

A real hidden gem.well worth a visit.

Enjoyed the history of the place. A little expensive for what was there.

K. L.

Excellent! Don’t miss it if you’re in the area

V. V.

This is a place to visit, awesome speaker awesome curiosity cabinet !

T. o. t.

Quite a find. Very interesting and was in there for hours

J. F.

Small, but packed with interesting artefacts and information.

r. p.

The good ol' days ?

P. S.

Wonderful hidden treasure

M. A.

Really interesting display, two snall rooms of equipment

A. H.

Fascinating place, even the kids enjoyed it!

J. S.

Very interesting if not a little scary

N. M.

Very interesting! Lots of information and things to look at.

M. T.

Good experience but it's small and expensive

C. (.

Very interesting and informative

T. J.

Very cool historical space, must attend talk

K. S.

Thought it was a stage theatre but finally was surprised that it was a museum for operating theatre.

R. C.

Something everyone should see to remember how was the health system in the past

F. A.

Such a whimsical place! Don't miss it 💎💎💎

C. M.

Amazing place for anyone into medical field

B. S.

A little gem! Fascinating. Must see! 👍

F. S.

So fun! Wonderful lady presenting

J. S.

Was quite boring for me, but I'm not into that general area.

M. G.

Wonderfully freaky and weird, a little unknown gem.

L. M.

Fascinating insight to medicine in 19th century.

S. K.

Realistic presentation of surgery. Nice to see.

C. C.

Very, very interesting. Lots to see.

R. T.

Great museum and highly educational

T. C.

Went as an outing and listened to a lecture about history of medicine

C. P.

Fascinating and shocking view of our recent history.

D. J.

Fascinating museum

S. E.

I could spend all day here so much to take is

L. G.

maybe a pic expensive but I thought it was interesting

A. K.

Must visit for any doctor.. Creepy history lessons.

A. W.

Great museum

J. T.

Worth climbing the stairs for this quirky place

J. D.

Unique exhibition, educational

D. W.

Fabulous place - lots of things in jars

D. R.

For £6.50, you won't find a better way to spend an hour of your time. Access only through a tight spiral staircase, but once inside the small two-room museum is bursting at the seams with antiques and curios, and the operating theatre is a bowel-quiveringly ghoulish reminder of how deadly the odd splinter used to be. Upside, lots of useful tips on the curative properties of gin.