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
A fascinating place at the top of a narrow spiral staircase. We had an interesting talk in the operating theatre and then had time to wander around the herb garret museum, which although smallish, was packed full of medical history! The only (minor) downside was not having long enough in the actual museum as there was so much to look at and read.
Keeley Sparrow - a month ago
So worth it! Aside from a lovely short tour/introduction to the St. Thomas' hospital history, the museum is a goldmine! Instruments, pictures and descriptions of various procedures, herbs, medicines and anaesthetics were so interesting, but my favorites were the recreation of the apothecary + organs with pathologies. The interior itself is very rustic, almost feels magical:) In my opinion, kids wouldn't find it entertaining, but for adults it is a must see, with or without medical backgrounds.
Eve - a month ago
The Old Operating Theatre Museum is a fascinating and unique step back in time. The museum offers a rare glimpse into the history of medicine and surgery, with intriguing artifacts and well-preserved displays. The highlight is the operating theatre itself, which is both eerie and captivating, giving a vivid sense of how surgeries were performed in the 19th century.
The staff were knowledgeable and enthusiastic, providing engaging explanations and answering questions with great detail.
The only downside is that the space is quite small, and the steep spiral staircase leading up to the museum might be challenging for some visitors. Despite that, it’s a hidden gem for history and medical enthusiasts, and definitely worth a visit!
Z M Rahman - 2 months ago
The museum is small, but very interesting. It can take about 40 minutes to see everything calmly. The surprise shop is small, but you can see everything completely in just a few minutes. The experience is very cool and you can learn a lot. They present various diseases and what was used in the past to cure them, in a fun and clear way. I recommend a visit.
Emelli Kauana Rodrigues - 5 months ago
Amazing small museum (only need about an hour). Very interesting, lots to learn about old English medicine. The cost is £9 or £7 for students.
alicia wroblewska - a week 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: Donnchadh H - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Matt From London - cc license via Flickr
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