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, the fascinating 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 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 has the complete RCP annals, its founding charter, and papers of leading medical figures, whilst the library includes 30,000 books printed pre-1900, over one hundred incunables and the first book printed in the English language, in 1473. These collections can be accessed by appointment.