Permanent displays

Permanent displays

Our permanent displays paint a picture of medicine through the past 500 years.


Come and explore our Regent’s Park home to discover fascinating medical implements, exquisite silverware and grand portraits of pioneering physicians from the past and today. Whether you would like to see a portrait of our most famous fellow William Harvey (1578–1657), or to marvel at rare treasures like our antimony cup, there is plenty to discover here at the Royal College of Physicians. Our star objects, the Anatomical Tables, display both incredible skill and the macabre history of anatomical dissection and teaching. Come and learn about ground-breaking doctors from the last century in our main Osler Wall portrait hang. The Symons Collection showcases medical objects used during the Georgian and Victorian eras, while the nearby Prujean chest display holds a rare 17th-century chest full of fascinating surgical implements used during the Civil War period (1642–1649).  

Our collection is always expanding. As the story of the Royal College of Physicians continues, we are always looking for objects that will help us accurately represent the profession of physicians for future generations. If you have an item you would like to donate, please click on the ‘donate to our collections’ page below.