Wellcome Museum of Anatomy and Pathology

The Wellcome Museum contains a modern anatomical and pathological teaching collection. It is open to qualified practitioners and students on recognised courses, in medicine, nursing and allied health subjects, and related scientific/technical subjects. 

The museum is open 10.00-17.00 Monday to Friday. Booking is essential as it may be closed at times for surgical examinations. Please call 020 7869 6560 or email museums@rcseng.ac.uk to check that the museum is open on the day you plan to visit.

The museum will have extended opening hours on:

• Tuesday  12 January  17.30-19.30

• Saturday 6  February 10.00-17.00

• Tuesday  9  February 17.30-19.30

• Saturday 13 February 10.00-17.00 (for revision for IMRCS candidates only)

• Tuesday  2  March   17.30-19.30

• Tuesday  30 March  17.30-19.30

• Tuesday  27 April   17.30-19.30

• Tuesday  4  May   17.30-19.30

• Saturday 8  May   10.00-17.00

• Saturday 15 May  10.00-17.00 (for revision for IMRCS candidates only)

Relevant books from the College library’s collection will also be available to assist you with your studies during the extended openings of the museum.

Wellcome Museum Collections

Anatomy

Anatomy

The Anatomy collection includes more than 800 prosections demonstrating human anatomy arranged according to the regions of the body. Each of the following regions is extensively covered:

• Cranial cavity and brain
• Head and neck
• Thorax and thoracic viscera
• Abdominal wall and viscera
• Spinal cord and vertebral column
• Upper limb
• Lower limb
  

Many of the above regions include excellent resin casts demonstrating the vascular, respiratory, urinary and biliary systems.
 

Additional anatomical resources are also available these include:

• Fully articulated skeletons, mounted on mobile pedestals
• Disarticulated anatomical bones and teeth for ‘hands on’ study (please request if required)
• 10 sets of histological microscope slides demonstrating normal micro-anatomy
• Histological slides demonstrating dental structure and tooth development
• Computer programs covering various aspects of anatomical, clinical and pathological subject matter. (Please ask museum staff if required. Pre-booking may be necessary in busy periods).
  

Pathology

This collection contains 2000 specimens illustrating all the important branches of surgical pathology. A majority of the specimens on display in the museum are modern specimens which are important in supporting the learning and teaching of modern pathological conditions.

Pathology specimens on display in the museum are arranged in the following groups, covering examples of malformations, injuries, vascular lesions, infections, primary tumors, secondary tumors, and other sundry lesions when possible:

• Musculo-Skeletal System 
• Alimentary System
• Female Genital System
• Breast
• Male Genital System
• Respiratory System
• Haemopoietic and Lymphoreticular Systems
• Cardiovascular  System
• Urinary System
• Endocrine System
• Nervous System and Special Sense Organs
• Integumentary System
• Pathology of Gestation

Histopathological slides and X-rays are also available.

Our reserve collection includes:

Teratology specimens: In addition to human teratology specimens, we also have comparative zoological teratology specimens in our reserve collection. Access to these must be arranged before visiting. 

Zoological pathology specimens: Our collection also contains zoological specimens access to which can be requested before visiting. They include zoological teratology specimens.

Historical pathology specimens: The basis of the pathology collection was formed in the 19th century and contains some important historical pathology specimens demonstrating extreme examples of pathology from the pre-antibiotic era. Examples include original specimens of Paget's disease, given to the College by Sir James Paget himself; examples of endemic diseases from the 19th century including rickets, tuberculosis and syphilis, and early examples of orthopaedic and cardiac interventions. Access to these must be arranged with the museum in advance.

Access to the Wellcome Museum of Anatomy and Pathology

The Wellcome Museum contains a modern anatomical and pathological teaching collection. It is open to qualified practitioners and students on recognised courses in medicine, nursing and allied health subjects and related scientific/technical subjects.

It is open 10.00-17.00 Monday to Friday. We are closed on bank holidays.The museum may be closed at other times for examinations; it is therefore necessary that all visitors ring or email to book before visiting to ensure the museum is accessible.

Admission for individuals is free, but donations are appreciated. Charges may apply for group visits and must be booked in advance.

Visitors to the Wellcome Museum must register on arrival and will be asked to show proof of identity and status (e.g. hospital ID pass, student card with course details).

Photography and filming are not allowed in the Wellcome Museum.

For more information, or to book a visit, please contact us by telephone on 020 7869 6560 or email museums@rcseng.ac.uk

• Wellcome Museum of Anatomy and Pathology leaflet

Charges for use of the Wellcome Museum of Anatomy and Pathology

These charges cover access to the Museum only. Additional charges may be made for tours, for provision of AV equipment or material for handling – requests should be made when booking your visit. All prices are exclusive of VAT.

Users will have non-exclusive access and the museum will remain open to other visitors. However there should only be one group booking (maximum of 50 per group) at any time. 

Groups of ten or fewer (including accompanying tutors) will not be charged. 

The museum cannot be used to run private for-profit courses.