Surgeons' Hall Museums

Surgeons' Hall Museums Surgeons' Hall Museums is home to one of the largest and most historic collections of surgical pathology in the World, open to the public since 1832.

Surgeons' Hall Museums was developed as a teaching museum for students of medicine, its fascinating collections, including bone and tissue specimens, artefacts and works of art, have also been open to the public since 1832, making it Scotland’s oldest museum. Please note photography is prohibited in the museum in accordance with the Human Tissue (2006) Scotland Act.

Operating as usual

Looking for something to do this weekend? We have limited spaces available on our Blood and Guts walking tours!Hear tale...
24/09/2021

Looking for something to do this weekend? We have limited spaces available on our Blood and Guts walking tours!

Hear tales of old Edinburgh, disease, dissection and curious methods of treatment.
Drawn from the archives at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh you will hear little known accounts of iconic writers, chloroform tea parties, pioneering women, grave robbing and of course Britain’s first serial killers the infamous Burke and Hare.

Tickets also include free museum access on the day of your tour so you can check out our brand new Body Voyager galleries too!

Tickets are available from: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/blood-and-guts-the-twists-and-turns-of-edinburghs-medical-history-tickets-55286101217

Looking for something to do this weekend? We have limited spaces available on our Blood and Guts walking tours!

Hear tales of old Edinburgh, disease, dissection and curious methods of treatment.
Drawn from the archives at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh you will hear little known accounts of iconic writers, chloroform tea parties, pioneering women, grave robbing and of course Britain’s first serial killers the infamous Burke and Hare.

Tickets also include free museum access on the day of your tour so you can check out our brand new Body Voyager galleries too!

Tickets are available from: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/blood-and-guts-the-twists-and-turns-of-edinburghs-medical-history-tickets-55286101217

On the 16th July, 1831, a murder took place on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. James Gow was convicted of murder, and sentenced ...
23/09/2021
A Peculiar Mark of Infamy: Anatomy and the Gallows

On the 16th July, 1831, a murder took place on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. James Gow was convicted of murder, and sentenced to hang. Gow would be one of the last people in Britain to be “anatomised” under the Murder Act. Our Human Remains Conservator looks at this case in our latest blog: https://surgeonshallmuseums.wordpress.com/2021/09/23/a-peculiar-mark-of-infamy-anatomy-and-the-gallows/

In this blog our Human Remains Conservator, Cat Irving, looks at the case of James Gow. Gow was the last person to be anatomised under the Murder Act. At 10:30 pm on 16th July, 1831, a murder took …

Some before and after images from our Human Remains Conservator.This is a sarcoma in the calf muscle, which led to amput...
21/09/2021

Some before and after images from our Human Remains Conservator.

This is a sarcoma in the calf muscle, which led to amputation of the leg. A sarcoma is a rare type of cancer, which affects connective tissue such as bone and muscle. The fluid has become quite fatty, and it seems that the pitch seal hadn’t been allowed to cure properly causing pitch to dribble down the jar over time, and to cause a layer of pitch to settle onto the top of the leg. Added to this, the lid of the jar was broken. The lid was replaced and the fluid changed, and the fat and pitch cleaned from the surface of the leg.

It's been a week since the launch of our new Body Voyager galleries!Body Voyager explores the way in which modern techno...
17/09/2021

It's been a week since the launch of our new Body Voyager galleries!

Body Voyager explores the way in which modern technology is changing the course of modern surgery and patient care.

We are open 7 days a week from 10am-5pm, no booking required!

https://museum.rcsed.ac.uk/body-voyager

One of Charles Bell's paintings of a casualty from the Battle of Corunna. This soldier's humerus was so badly fractured ...
16/09/2021

One of Charles Bell's paintings of a casualty from the Battle of Corunna. This soldier's humerus was so badly fractured that it had to be amputated to avoid infection. Shown beside the painting is the actual humerus that was amputated by Bell.

One of Charles Bell's paintings of a casualty from the Battle of Corunna. This soldier's humerus was so badly fractured that it had to be amputated to avoid infection. Shown beside the painting is the actual humerus that was amputated by Bell.

Alan Smith has been volunteering with us for nearly 21 years! However his history with the museum and The Royal College ...
15/09/2021

Alan Smith has been volunteering with us for nearly 21 years! However his history with the museum and The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh goes back much further.

You can read about Alan in our latest blog: https://surgeonshallmuseums.wordpress.com/2021/09/15/meet-alan-smith/

Alan Smith has been volunteering with us for nearly 21 years! However his history with the museum and The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh goes back much further.

You can read about Alan in our latest blog: https://surgeonshallmuseums.wordpress.com/2021/09/15/meet-alan-smith/

11/09/2021
BODY VOYAGER (2)

Body Voyager is now open!

Learn more about the history and use of robotics in surgery!

We are open 7 days a week from 10am-5pm. No booking required.

https://buff.ly/3ydYQp0

It has been a long journey but our brand new permanent galleries finally open tomorrow! From tomorrow you can experience...
10/09/2021

It has been a long journey but our brand new permanent galleries finally open tomorrow!

From tomorrow you can experience Body Voyager for yourself. We are open from 10am-5pm, no booking required!

https://buff.ly/3ydYQp0

It has been a long journey but our brand new permanent galleries finally open tomorrow!

From tomorrow you can experience Body Voyager for yourself. We are open from 10am-5pm, no booking required!

https://buff.ly/3ydYQp0

Only 2 days until our Body Voyager galleries open!#DYK we have developed an app to be used in these galleries? You will ...
09/09/2021

Only 2 days until our Body Voyager galleries open!

#DYK we have developed an app to be used in these galleries? You will be taken on a journey through the human body exploring the way in which modern technology is changing the course of modern surgery.

https://buff.ly/3ydYQp0

Only 2 days until our Body Voyager galleries open!

#DYK we have developed an app to be used in these galleries? You will be taken on a journey through the human body exploring the way in which modern technology is changing the course of modern surgery.

https://buff.ly/3ydYQp0

Opening day is drawing closer! We are only 3 days until our Body Voyager galleries open.We are open from 10am-5pm. Booki...
08/09/2021

Opening day is drawing closer! We are only 3 days until our Body Voyager galleries open.

We are open from 10am-5pm. Booking is not required.

https://buff.ly/3ydYQp0

Opening day is drawing closer! We are only 3 days until our Body Voyager galleries open.

We are open from 10am-5pm. Booking is not required.

https://buff.ly/3ydYQp0

Our countdown continues!In 4 days you will be able to experience Body Voyager for yourself. You will be able to have a g...
07/09/2021

Our countdown continues!

In 4 days you will be able to experience Body Voyager for yourself. You will be able to have a go using the da Vinci surgical system, one of the most advanced pieces of equipment in surgery!

https://buff.ly/3ydYQp0

Our countdown continues!

In 4 days you will be able to experience Body Voyager for yourself. You will be able to have a go using the da Vinci surgical system, one of the most advanced pieces of equipment in surgery!

https://buff.ly/3ydYQp0

Our countdown continues!In 4 days you will be able to experience Body Voyager for yourself. You will be able to have a g...
07/09/2021

Our countdown continues!

In 4 days you will be able to experience Body Voyager for yourself. You will be able to have a go using the da Vinci surgical system, one of the most advanced pieces of equipment in surgery!

https://museum.rcsed.ac.uk/body-voyager

Our countdown continues!

In 4 days you will be able to experience Body Voyager for yourself. You will be able to have a go using the da Vinci surgical system, one of the most advanced pieces of equipment in surgery!

https://museum.rcsed.ac.uk/body-voyager

For our final Body Voyager themed #TriviaTuesday we have this interesting looking object from the 21st century. It was d...
07/09/2021

For our final Body Voyager themed #TriviaTuesday we have this interesting looking object from the 21st century. It was designed in Spain and is 32 cm in width and 16 cm in depth. What is it?

For our final Body Voyager themed #TriviaTuesday we have this interesting looking object from the 21st century. It was designed in Spain and is 32 cm in width and 16 cm in depth. What is it?

We can't believe we are only 5 days away from our brand new Body Voyager galleries opening! Body Voyager is an interacti...
06/09/2021

We can't believe we are only 5 days away from our brand new Body Voyager galleries opening!
Body Voyager is an interactive experience charting the history and use of robotics in surgery.
https://buff.ly/2V4ntqm

We can't believe we are only 5 days away from our brand new Body Voyager galleries opening!
Body Voyager is an interactive experience charting the history and use of robotics in surgery.
https://buff.ly/2V4ntqm

This time next week you'll be able to check out our brand new Body Voyager galleries for yourself!We'll take you on a jo...
04/09/2021

This time next week you'll be able to check out our brand new Body Voyager galleries for yourself!

We'll take you on a journey through the human body exploring the way in which modern technology is changing the course of modern surgery and patient care.

https://buff.ly/3ydYQp0

This time next week you'll be able to check out our brand new Body Voyager galleries for yourself!

We'll take you on a journey through the human body exploring the way in which modern technology is changing the course of modern surgery and patient care.

https://buff.ly/3ydYQp0

This 3D printed model was printed at the Maxillofacial Unit at St John's Hospital in Livingston, Scotland using a techno...
03/09/2021

This 3D printed model was printed at the Maxillofacial Unit at St John's Hospital in Livingston, Scotland using a technology suite supplied by Materialise. The patient had an aggressive cancer that arises from the lining of the nose and sinuses. The model shows the extent of the tumour which is printed in red.

This 3D printed model was printed at the Maxillofacial Unit at St John's Hospital in Livingston, Scotland using a technology suite supplied by Materialise. The patient had an aggressive cancer that arises from the lining of the nose and sinuses. The model shows the extent of the tumour which is printed in red.

These 2 instruments are for use with the da Vinci Si robotic surgical system by Intuitive They are commonly used in urol...
02/09/2021

These 2 instruments are for use with the da Vinci Si robotic surgical system by Intuitive They are commonly used in urology procedures.
On the left is a large needle driver for holding sutures. On the right we have forceps used for holding and retracting tissue, often used to hold the kidney in place while operating.

These 2 instruments are for use with the da Vinci Si robotic surgical system by Intuitive They are commonly used in urology procedures.
On the left is a large needle driver for holding sutures. On the right we have forceps used for holding and retracting tissue, often used to hold the kidney in place while operating.

Live in-person events are back at Surgeons' Hall Museums! 🎉 That's right, our new events programme is here and it featur...
01/09/2021

Live in-person events are back at Surgeons' Hall Museums! 🎉

That's right, our new events programme is here and it features events you will be able to attend in person. We will also still be offering some online events.

The BSc Oral Health Sciences students and staff from the University of Edinburgh are delighted to return for a THIRD year to Surgeons Hall for the annual Restart a Heart Day campaign on Saturday 16th of October 2021. From 11 am until 4 pm the team will be located in the Education Room of the museum to teach all members of the public vital life-saving skills and current guidance in how to safely and effectively deliver coronary pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). These drop in sessions are open to all ages.

At the end of October we will be hosting heart dissection workshops for adults. Our dissection workshops are always popular so we recommend booking quickly.

In November our Human Remains Conservator will be hosting another series of online workshops. These workshops will focus on the history of dissection.

To celebrate our upcoming temporary exhibition our Curator will be giving a talk which will delve into the history of anatomical models. Attendees will be able to view the exhibition after the talk.

Our Poisonous Method and Potted Pathology online lectures are still available to view online.

For tickets visit: https://buff.ly/2G5Drmq

These are bipolar coagulating forceps used to control bleeding during interventional endoscopic procedures. They allow t...
31/08/2021

These are bipolar coagulating forceps used to control bleeding during interventional endoscopic procedures. They allow the user to securely grasp vessels and coagulate them using high-frequency current.

These are bipolar coagulating forceps used to control bleeding during interventional endoscopic procedures. They allow the user to securely grasp vessels and coagulate them using high-frequency current.

We're back with another #TriviaTuesday for you all!This object is from the 21st century. It is 20 cm in length, 1.8 cm i...
31/08/2021

We're back with another #TriviaTuesday for you all!

This object is from the 21st century. It is 20 cm in length, 1.8 cm in height and 2 cm in depth. Can anyone guess what it is? Let us know in the comments!

We're back with another #TriviaTuesday for you all!

This object is from the 21st century. It is 20 cm in length, 1.8 cm in height and 2 cm in depth. Can anyone guess what it is? Let us know in the comments!

This heart model is from a case of a teenager in the USA who was treated for a longstanding tumour in 2014. Bradley Whit...
30/08/2021

This heart model is from a case of a teenager in the USA who was treated for a longstanding tumour in 2014. Bradley White was three years old when a tumour was found in his heart. Over the following years he underwent several open-heart surgeries. At the age of sixteen Bradley was admitted to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre with an irregular heartbeat that could be life threatening. Working with Materialise and the Mimics Innovation Suite software, CT scan data was used to create a 3D replica of Bradley’s heart. The model helped the team to decide on the best course of treatment and the decision was made not to risk the surgical removal of the tumour. Instead, they carried out a series of cardiac ablations. 3D printed models such as this are a great help in allowing surgeons to visualise the anatomy of each patient and to plan each unique surgery. They can talk through the entire operation surgical team & importantly with the family. The flexibility of 3D printing materials allows surgeons to practice on these models, increasing their confidence for the actual surgery. The doctors successfully treated Bradley and he has gone on to live a healthy life.

You can discover more about how technology like this has helped the surgical world in our new Body Voyager galleries that open on the 11th of September!

This heart model is from a case of a teenager in the USA who was treated for a longstanding tumour in 2014. Bradley White was three years old when a tumour was found in his heart. Over the following years he underwent several open-heart surgeries. At the age of sixteen Bradley was admitted to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre with an irregular heartbeat that could be life threatening. Working with Materialise and the Mimics Innovation Suite software, CT scan data was used to create a 3D replica of Bradley’s heart. The model helped the team to decide on the best course of treatment and the decision was made not to risk the surgical removal of the tumour. Instead, they carried out a series of cardiac ablations. 3D printed models such as this are a great help in allowing surgeons to visualise the anatomy of each patient and to plan each unique surgery. They can talk through the entire operation surgical team & importantly with the family. The flexibility of 3D printing materials allows surgeons to practice on these models, increasing their confidence for the actual surgery. The doctors successfully treated Bradley and he has gone on to live a healthy life.

You can discover more about how technology like this has helped the surgical world in our new Body Voyager galleries that open on the 11th of September!

There's just 2 weeks to go until our new Body Voyager galleries open!Body Voyager is a unique, interactive experience th...
28/08/2021

There's just 2 weeks to go until our new Body Voyager galleries open!

Body Voyager is a unique, interactive experience that explores the history and use of robotics in surgery.

You can read more about the galleries here: https://buff.ly/3ydYQp0

There's just 2 weeks to go until our new Body Voyager galleries open!

Body Voyager is a unique, interactive experience that explores the history and use of robotics in surgery.

You can read more about the galleries here: https://buff.ly/3ydYQp0

Pathfinder was an image guided surgical robot used to accurately position instruments in various different neurosurgical...
27/08/2021

Pathfinder was an image guided surgical robot used to accurately position instruments in various different neurosurgical procedures. The system, made by Freehand Surgical Inc. consisted of a planning workstation and a positioning robot.
You can read more here: https://buff.ly/2XR61ql

Pathfinder was an image guided surgical robot used to accurately position instruments in various different neurosurgical procedures. The system, made by Freehand Surgical Inc. consisted of a planning workstation and a positioning robot.
You can read more here: https://buff.ly/2XR61ql

From September face masks will no longer be mandatory on our Blood and Guts: The Twists and Turns of Edinburgh's Medical...
25/08/2021

From September face masks will no longer be mandatory on our Blood and Guts: The Twists and Turns of Edinburgh's Medical History walking tours. However, in line with Scottish Government guidance they will still remain mandatory in the museum (unless medically exempt).

We will also be increasing our tour group sizes from September!

You can find tickets and full information about our walking tours over on Eventbrite: https://blood_and_guts_shm.eventbrite.co.uk

(Please note: This is subject to change, please check closer to your visit for the most up to date visitor information)

From September face masks will no longer be mandatory on our Blood and Guts: The Twists and Turns of Edinburgh's Medical History walking tours. However, in line with Scottish Government guidance they will still remain mandatory in the museum (unless medically exempt).

We will also be increasing our tour group sizes from September!

You can find tickets and full information about our walking tours over on Eventbrite: https://blood_and_guts_shm.eventbrite.co.uk

(Please note: This is subject to change, please check closer to your visit for the most up to date visitor information)

Address

Royal College Of Surgeons Of Edinburgh, Nicolson St
Edinburgh
EH8 9DW

Bus numbers: 3,5,7,8,14,29,33, 37,47

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+ 44 131 527 1711

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Surgeons' Hall Museums posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to Surgeons' Hall Museums:

Videos

BODY VOYAGER (2)
BODY VOYAGER (2)

Body Voyager: Meet our Project Artist
Body Voyager: Meet our Project Artist

Blood and Guts: COVID-19 Measures
Blood and Guts: COVID-19 Measures

Tales From Surgeons' Hall: Tapeworm
Tales From Surgeons' Hall: Tapeworm

Dentistry Before the Dentist
Dentistry Before the Dentist

Copy of Copy of Copy of Virtual Tour_ Anatomy theatre (3)
Copy of Copy of Copy of Virtual Tour_ Anatomy theatre (3)

Asbestos and Mesothelioma
Asbestos and Mesothelioma

Asbestos and Mesothelioma
Asbestos and Mesothelioma

The Surgeons' Hall Killings
The Surgeons' Hall Killings

International Women's Day
International Women's Day

Tales from Surgeons' Hall- Avulsed Tendon
Tales from Surgeons' Hall- Avulsed Tendon

Tales From Surgeons' Hall: 7 Facts About Robert Liston
Tales From Surgeons' Hall: 7 Facts About Robert Liston

Tales from Surgeons' Hall- The Chantrelle Case
Tales from Surgeons' Hall- The Chantrelle Case

Tales From Surgeons' Hall- Bezoars
Tales From Surgeons' Hall- Bezoars

Tales From Surgeons' Hall: 7 Things You Didn't Know About Dr. Knox
Tales From Surgeons' Hall: 7 Things You Didn't Know About Dr. Knox

Tales from Surgeons' Hall: Musket Bal Injury
Tales from Surgeons' Hall: Musket Bal Injury

2021 Winter Events
2021 Winter Events

Blood and Guts
Blood and Guts

Looking for something to do this weekend? We still have tickets available for our Blood and Guts: The Twists and Turns of Edinburgh's Medical History walking tours! We will take you through the highs and lows of Edinburgh’s world renowned medical history. Discover the intrigues, rivalries and dedication to the cause as our guide leads you through the sites where anatomists, surgeons and physicians worked, operated and squabbled in the quest for medical advancement. Tickets for the tour also include museum access. https://blood_and_guts_shm.eventbrite.co.uk

Tales from Surgeons' Hall: Ambroise Paré
Tales from Surgeons' Hall: Ambroise Paré

Ambroise Paré is often regarded as the father of modern surgery. In our latest "Tales from Surgeons' Hall" our Director of Heritage, Chris Henry, talks about Paré's book "Les Oeuvres"

Tales from Surgeons' Hall: Black Lungs in the 19th Century
Tales from Surgeons' Hall: Black Lungs in the 19th Century

In this "Tales from Surgeons' Hall" our Senior Research Fellow, Professor Ken Donaldson, tells us about the mystery of black lungs in the 19th century.

Copy of Reopening FAQ
Copy of Reopening FAQ

Thinking of visiting the museum? Here are some things you'll need to know before your visit. As of today face masks are now mandatory in museums (unless medically exempt). For more information visit: https://buff.ly/2WaeCAM

Tales from Surgeons' Hall: Elsie Inglis' Medals
Tales from Surgeons' Hall: Elsie Inglis' Medals

In the latest "Tales from Surgeons' Hall" our Head of Museum Learning and Interpretation, Thomas Elliott, tells us more about the incredible Elise Inglis.

Extra Tour Added!
Extra Tour Added!

Due to popular demand, we have added an extra 'Blood and Guts: The Twists and Turns of Edinburgh's Medical History' walking tour this Sunday! You can book your tickets here: https://blood_and_guts_shm.eventbrite.co.uk Tours also include museum access.

Tales from Surgeons' Hall: A Broken Femur
Tales from Surgeons' Hall: A Broken Femur

In this "Tales From Surgeons' Hall" our Human Remains Conservator, Cat Irving, tells us about a broken femur that was not set properly. There are still some tickets left for Cat's online course "Immortal Remains: A History of Preserving the Human Body". More information available here: https://surgeonshallmuseums.eventbrite.co.uk

Blood and Guts: The Twists and Turns of Edinburgh's Medical History walking tour FAQ
Blood and Guts: The Twists and Turns of Edinburgh's Medical History walking tour FAQ

Our Blood and Guts: The Twists and Turns of Edinburgh's Medical History walking tours return next weekend! Drawn from the archives at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh you will hear little known accounts of iconic writers, chloroform tea parties, pioneering women, grave robbing and of course Britain’s first serial killers the infamous Burke and Hare. Due to current circumstances, we've made some changes to the tours. This video explains the new procedures that we have put in place. Tickets are available from: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/blood-and-guts-the-twists-and-turns-of-edinburghs-medical-history-tickets-55286101217

Tales from Surgeons' Hall: The Ex*****on of William Burke
Tales from Surgeons' Hall: The Ex*****on of William Burke

In this Tales from Surgeons' Hall our Senior Research Fellow, Professor Ken Donaldson, talks about a fascinating eyewitness account of Burke's ex*****on and dissection. You can view the account for yourself on our Library and Archive's Digital Collection website: https://archiveandlibrary.rcsed.ac.uk/special-collections/thomas-hume-autobiography?

Shortcuts

Category

Nearby museums

Other History Museums in Edinburgh

Show All

Comments

Just had an amazing few hrs in the museum. It won't be for everyone but an amazing museum.
Edinburgh Beckons With Palace, Medical Museum And A Chapel Festooned With Arcane Symbols

When are you reopening?
Devastated to find I've missed out on the opportunity to attend your Down to the Bone: Exploring the Human Skeleton sessions. Will you be doing these again in the future please?
We'll need to go once they're back open
I've been repeatedly unsuccessful at buying a ticket for your upcoming poisons talk. Eventbrite link just returns a "problem with your order message". Can you please help. With respect. Josh Lieberman, Seattle
If you want a good read set in Edinburgh in 1850 with some beautiful illustrations, there's a new murder mystery novel out this week featuring The Surgeon's Hall, St Giles High Kirk, (old) Parliament House and Infirmary Street (when it actually had an infirmary!): "Edward Kane and the Parlour Maid Murderer" https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edward-Kane-Parlour-Maid-Murderer-ebook/dp/B08P5S534M/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=edward%20kane&qid=1607717903&sr=8-1&fbclid=IwAR28L9GpXLWUI16-_oqQpcrzyp_qCoBCOmTpMsr0jg5cnBSD0rXRl7Zbx5A
Cant wait for exams to be over so I can visit!!!💀🦴💀
Honestly worth every penny!! You can spend hours looking at all the exhibition's, extremely interesting and enjoyable!! By far the best museum I've been to!!!!
Not sure if this post is allowed. But Channel 5 are showing 3 operations (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday). Tonight's operation is showing open heart surgery (a new aortic valve is implanted), Wednesday operation is a knee rebuild & Thursday is a tumour& surrounding tissue being removed from the bowel
Hi all, the Police have been in looking for a vulnerable adult who has said he is coming here as it is a tall building. If you see someone on site @ 30 years, glasses, beard, grey jumpers, black joggers and black and orange trainers, this could be Matthew who is currently missing. If you do see him on site please can you call 999? Thank you.
Happy Birthday hope you can make it more accessible for us all. Prof Colin Howie and Mr William souter changed my life