Library Europe's largest nursing-specific collection

Your web browser is outdated and may be insecure

The RCN recommends using an updated browser such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome

Museum and Events

  

Based in the RCN London HQ, our Museum runs a dynamic programme of exhibitions and events which explore the past, present and future of nursing in the UK.

We hold a growing collection of nursing related objects that feature in our busy programme of exhibitions. We are committed to developing our collection so that it reflects the varied and expansive nature of the nursing profession today.    

Advertisement

an open door

You're heading out

Continue to external website

Check the site's terms and conditions, and their cookie and privacy policy - they may differ from ours

Before starting a quote, make sure you have also read the policy details on the RCN's page as well

Okay

The RCN Museum is based in London and is open Mon-Fri 10.00am-7.00pm and Sat 10.00am-5.00pm (closed Saturdays in August).

The Museum team runs a busy programme of exhibitions. You can visit our permanent exhibition on the ground floor of the London library. Our temporary exhibitions run for 6 months on the lower ground floor of the London library before travelling up to the RCN Scotland Learning Hub for 6 months.

We work closely with RCN members on our exhibitions and events programme. If you are an RCN member, keep an eye out for our regular calls for exhibition volunteers or contact us to find out about our latest opportunities.

We run events online and in person. This includes talks, tours, creative arts, family events and more. Look at our events page for upcoming details or sign up to our mailing list.

The collection is made up primarily of medical tools, nursing equipment, memorabilia and a small collection of uniforms related to nursing , from the late-19th century to the present day. You can see objects from the RCN object and art collections on display in our exhibitions at the England Library and Museum and the Edinburgh Learning Hub.

We are always looking to add to our collection. If you have any nursing related objects, such as a district nursing bag or medical tools, which you think would be suitable for our collection, then please get in touch with us.

 

To donate please use this form.

 

 

Events

We hold events and workshops both online and around the UK. 

Library events

Exhibitions

Visit our exhibitions or take a look online.

graphic of hand holding the world reading 'You mean the world'

Object Collection

Find out what objects we hold by searching the online catalogue.

Past Caring

Our podcast looks to the history of nursing to understand how we think about health and care today.

Past Caring podcast logo