The Old Operating Theatre Museum

The Old Operating Theatre Museum The Old Operating Theatre Museum, and Herb Garret is one of the most unusual Museums in London.
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It is in quite an amazing location - in the Roof of an English Baroque church which was used as a Herb Garret, and converted into an Operating Theatre

Life drawing, but not quite as you know it!Book your tickets now to join us on Monday 21st September for an artistic eve...
31/08/2026

Life drawing, but not quite as you know it!

Book your tickets now to join us on Monday 21st September for an artistic evening of drawing, drinks, and museum exploration after hours.

Whether you’ve never picked up a pencil for life drawing, or are already a regular, come along and spend the evening in one of London’s most unique historic spaces.

The event will run between 6pm-8pm, giving guests lots of time to draw, socialise, and explore the museum at their own leisure.

We look forward to welcoming you! Tickets are available to book via the link in our bio.

30/08/2026

Tucked away for almost a century…

The Old Operating Theatre was concealed for 94 years before being rediscovered 1956. It closed in 1862 when St Thomas’ Hospital was relocated to their current site in Lambeth.

The museum restoration was put under way, and by 1962 the theatre was restored and opened to the public as a museum.

Right here, in the heart of London Bridge, you’ll find us a stone’s throw away from The Shard!

The final talk of the summer! ⚕️Join us for an expert-led historical talk exploring the developments of medicine and sur...
14/08/2026

The final talk of the summer! ⚕️

Join us for an expert-led historical talk exploring the developments of medicine and surgery through time. This guided talk will take place in the original operating theatre of old St Thomas’ Hospital.

Saturday, 29th August at 10am.
Booking tickets is required, the link is in our bio!

We look forward to seeing you then.

13/08/2026

Did you know this fact?
In a time without anaesthetic or antiseptic, it was common for patients to pass away postoperatively, or during surgery.

Without knowledge of germ theory, it is proposed that surgical infections were rife during this period. Surgeons would reuse tools, not participate in handwashing, and brandish blood-stained aprons from their previous patients.

This is a reminder of how far medicine and surgery has come in the past century.

Extended opening hours for Summer! Throughout the month of August, we will be open Monday-Sunday, 10.30am-5pm.Last admis...
01/08/2026

Extended opening hours for Summer!

Throughout the month of August, we will be open Monday-Sunday, 10.30am-5pm.

Last admission to the museum is at 4.15pm! Pre-book your tickets online, or walk-in.

Important note: the museum will be closed on August 10th and 31st. We also have a late opening at 11.30am on August 29th.

We are so excited to welcome yo to the museum, all week long this Summer.

Extended opening hours for Summer! ☀️Throughout the month of August, we will be open Monday-Sunday, 10.30am-5pm.Last adm...
01/08/2026

Extended opening hours for Summer! ☀️
Throughout the month of August, we will be open Monday-Sunday, 10.30am-5pm.

Last admission to the museum is at 4.15pm! Pre-book your tickets online, or walk-in.

Important note: the museum will be closed on August 10th and 31st. We also have a late opening at 11.30am on August 29th.

We are so excited to welcome yo to the museum, all week long this Summer.

Tickets now available! 🎟️Back by popular demand is our Body-Snatchers Walking Tour.Explore the history of medicine and s...
27/07/2026

Tickets now available! 🎟️
Back by popular demand is our Body-Snatchers Walking Tour.

Explore the history of medicine and surgery in Southwark, including the practice of body-snatching and its significance in medical education.

Led by our expert team, this walking tour will highlight key local areas of historical interest and medical significance.

Join us for this unique adventure. Tickets available to book via the link in our bio and on our stories!

Tickets now available!Join us on Sunday, 9th August for an exclusive walking tour across Southwark.It will be led by our...
27/07/2026

Tickets now available!
Join us on Sunday, 9th August for an exclusive walking tour across Southwark.

It will be led by our expert education team, who will immerse you in the rich history of public health, medicine, and surgery in the local area. Explore key points of historical interest while uncovering the true impacts of poverty and pestilence.

Tickets available via the link in our bio.

Book your tickets now, as limited spots remain.

23/07/2026

London’s most fascinating historical site.

Only two minutes from London Bridge station, you’ll find The Old Operating Theatre and Herb Garret- a key point of interest in the history of medicine.

Forming part of the original St Thomas’ Hospital, the museum has preserved the original surgical operating theatre, tools, artefacts and more.

Uncover the case studies and important stories that lay beneath these walls.

Meet the little people making big decisions!The Old Operating Theatre museum team had to hop on this adorable trend.Some...
10/07/2026

Meet the little people making big decisions!
The Old Operating Theatre museum team had to hop on this adorable trend.

Some childhood photos of a few of our wonderful team members, working hard each day to protect the future of the museum and preserve medical history.

Address

9A St Thomas Street
London
SE19RY

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