Wellcome Collection

Hunterian Museum

John Hunter's 18th-century collection with 3,500+ specimens including pharmaceutical preparation tools and medical equipment from his Leicester Square anatomy school, recently renovated in 2023. The Hunterian Museum at the Royal College of Surgeons of England houses one of the world's most significant collections of anatomical, pathological, and surgical specimens, centered around the extraordinary 18th-century collection of surgeon-anatomist John Hunter (1728-1793). Originally comprising over 14,000 specimens when purchased by the British government in 1799, the collection now displays over 2,000 anatomical preparations alongside surgical instruments, equipment, models, paintings, and archive materials that trace four centuries of surgical and medical history. The museum features Joseph Lister's pioneering antiseptic surgical instruments, including his carbolic acid spray apparatus, which revolutionized surgical practice and dramatically reduced post-operative mortality rates. Following a major £4.6 million redevelopment, the museum reopened in May 2023 with modernized galleries that showcase everything from 17th-century surgical tools to contemporary robot-assisted surgical technologies. Notable exhibits include the Crystal Gallery housing Hunter's original specimens, comparative anatomy displays, the Odontological Collection featuring everything from piranha teeth to Winston Churchill's dentures, and the macabre yet scientifically crucial specimens that advanced understanding of human anatomy and surgical techniques. The museum offers free guided curator tours every Wednesday and welcomes over 90,000 visitors annually to explore this unique intersection of medical history, natural science, and the evolution of surgical practice.