Upcoming exhibitions
Upcoming exhibitions
Visit RCP Unseen - open online now
Open online throughout 2021
The history of medicine like you’ve never seen it before.
The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has been collecting objects, works of art, recorded interviews, rare books and documents for over 500 years.
Our vast collections work hard behind the scenes, informing current research projects, enriching RCP ceremonies and reaching international audiences through events and exhibitions. Fragile objects are conserved to ensure the safekeeping of the RCP's unique legacy.
In 2021, we are delighted to display some of our unseen riches for the very first time. Delve into our collections to discover never-seen-before curiosities, and explore previously hidden stories from the history of medicine and beyond...
© Royal College of Physicians
In this exhibition, colleagues from the RCP's library, archive and museum have selected rare and fascinating items from our collections to explore – many for the first time.
Join us as we discover how our historical objects are being used by scientists and researchers today to learn more about disease and medical practice. Learn how a 500-year-old collection continues to grow today, and discover some of the surprising items that you would never expect a physician to own!
Take part
For the first time, viewers will have the opportunity to curate part of our exhibition! Keep an eye on our Twitter feed for details, coming soon.
Opening exclusively online from January 2021 and in real life once the museum reopens, RCP Unseen offers an unprecedented opportunity to explore the unchartered depths of the RCP's collections.
The RCP Unseen exhibition pages are now available to view
Exhibition events
Join us for a series of digital talks, discussions and workshops to accompany our new exhibition, RCP Unseen.
Forthcoming online events:
- Wednesday 20 January, 6pm, RCP Unseen: digital exhibition launch
- Thursday 18 March, ‘Endell Street: The Women who ran Britain’s Trailblazing Military Hospital’, a talk by Wendy Moore
More details on how to book and further events to be announced.
Physical exhibition closed until further notice
Our library, archive and museum will remain closed for the time being while we work on a safe reopening plan and the RCP continues to support clinical efforts against Covid-19.