Museum and Archives
Image: Matthew Andrews
Beyond the spectacular canvases of the Hogarth Stair the museum hosts an impressive gallery of portraits and paintings
Museum and Archives
Visit the museum
The museum is part of Barts Health NHS Trust Archives and Museums. Visit their website for visitor information and opening hours.
Set in the historic North Wing of St Bartholomew’s Hospital, the Museum tells the story of this renowned institution, celebrates its achievements and explains its place in history.
The Museum exhibits original and facsimile archives dating back to the 12th century, among them the agreement signed by Henry VIII and the City of London which refounded the hospital.
Objects from the hospital’s unique historical collections are also exhibited, including works of art, and surgical and medical equipment used in the hospital. Visitors can view a case of amputation instruments which belonged to John Abernethy, surgeon to the hospital in 1815-27, and the tools of the apothecary’s trade, including pill-making equipment, scales and drug bottles.
The Museum overlooks the famous 18th-century square designed by James Gibbs. Two vast and spectacular paintings by William Hogarth are also visible from the Museum.
The museum also looks after Barts collection of portraits and paintings.
Nurses hanging an art exhibition in the Great Hall
Image: Barts Health NHS Trust
Visit the Archive
The archives of St Bartholomew’s Hospital are held by Barts Health NHS Trust Archives, which hold the historic records of over 30 current and former hospitals in the City and East London.
The archives hold records of St Bartholomew’s Hospital dating back to 1137, including volumes documenting the impact of the plague and the Great Fire of London, as well as records of staff and patients and buildings throughout the hospital’s history.
Visit the Barts Archives website to find out more about the collections, including how to search the catalogue online and for updates on arrangements for visiting in person
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