The Old Operating Theatre Museum
The Old Operating Theatre is a unique museum providing a fascinating glimpse into the early days of surgery in the early 1800s
This extremely unusual museum is located up a very narrow flight of stairs inside the garret of St. Thomas's Church which was also the original location of St. Thomas's Hospital. Visitors to this lesser known London attraction find it very intriguing and they highly recommend it. The Old Operating Theatre is one of the oldest operating theatres still in existence. Opened in 1822, the patients were women from the adjoining women's hospital.
Procedures were performed without anaesthetics so they were done as rapidly as possible while the patient was subdued by alcohol or opiates. Later they began to use ether or chloroform. Patients put up with students watching the operation in the Theatre, as they were generally poor, and this allowed them to receive surgery from top surgeons that they could in no way afford otherwise.
Cleanliness was 'sacred', however the risk of death was still very high due to the lack of available treatments for infection and the shock of surgery.
The Operating Theatre closed in 1862 when the hospital was moved to a new location and it remained undiscovered for nearly 100 years until 1957. It opened to the public as a museum in 1962.
The Old Operating Theatre is open daily from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm except for December 15th-January 5th. There is a small admission charge.
This attraction is also close to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and Tower Bridge so you may want to visit them while in the area.
For more information about the The Old Operating Theatre including admission charges and hours visit their official website.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesOld Operating Theatre Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: 9a St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY, UK
Phone: 020 7188 2679
Official Website: Old Operating Theatre
Old Operating Theatre Reviews
Rated out of 5
I loved my time in this museum. If you’re fascinated by Victorian era medical practices (think bloodletting, apothecaries, surgery with no anesthesia) this is absolutely the place for you. The space is small but it is crammed full of interesting objects and information. The highlight of this visit is of course in the name - the operating theatre. Well worth the visit!
Jeebs Nabil - 4 months ago
What a lovely experience from start to finish!
The staff are a gem! With such enthusiasm & knowledge!
Reading through history, along with the displays, is fantastic and has been displayed to really capture the imagination
The muesum is well worth the visit!
You can pay with cash or card & their is a little gift shop! The narrow stairs may be a problem for some people
Sarah -. - 4 months ago
It is a fascinating little gem! It’s a small antique museum focused on the serious subject of surgery, but they present it in such a light-hearted and engaging way that it’s both educational and fun. You’ll also learn a lot about the history of the local community while you’re there. And don’t miss the pill-making demonstration—it’s a highlight and really brings history to life!
Tsang Julia - 2 weeks ago
Small museum, but if you are a healthcare worker of any type or a history fan, it is a great step back in time to the bad old days before anesthesia or infection control or antibiotics. Steep stairway entrance, no elevator.
Christopher Robshaw - 2 weeks ago
The Old Operating Theatre Museum, located in an old church, is a really interesting place to visit. It’s small, but full of fascinating history. The interactive exhibits make it engaging, and there’s a lot to learn about old medical practices. Definitely worth a stop if you’re into something a bit different and educational!
Linda Saračević - 2 months ago
Directions
| Tube Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Jubilee and Northern Lines | London Bridge Station | 1 MInute |
How to get to Old Operating Theatre by Tube
From London Bridge Station exit onto Borough High Street and walk to your right(north) then immediately right onto St. Thomas Street. The Old Operating Theatre is just ahead to your left on St. Thomas Street.
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Photo Gallery
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Inside the Old Operating Theatre cc licensed photo by Matt From London -
Photo Credit: amandabhslater - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: amandabhslater - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: amandabhslater - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: amandabhslater - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: amandabhslater - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: amandabhslater - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: amandabhslater - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: amandabhslater - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Donnchadh H - cc license via Flickr
