Visit the oldest surviving surgical operating theatre in Europe
Opening Times:
We are open every Thursday-Sunday from 10.30am until 5pm, with last admission at 4.15pm. On occasion we may close the Museum early due to a group visit.
An average length of visit is about 45 minutes, although visitors are welcome to stay for longer.
We use a traffic-light system to manage visitor flow up and down our 52-step spiral stairs which is our main entrance and exit. When you arrive, if the light is red, please wait in the foyer until the light turns green.
Please see our Access information if you have any additional requirements.
Please Note: While there are no displays with audio, some noise from outside the museum can be heard. We have ear defenders available for visitors.
Admission Prices (from April 2024):
- Adult: £9.00
- Concessions (Students aged 17 and above, Seniors aged 60+, and Disabled Visitors): £7.00
- Child 6-16 years: £5.50
- Children under 6 years: Free
- Carers (with a full paying adult, concession or child ticket): Free
- Family (2 adults, 2 children OR 1 adult, 3 children): £20.00, additional child, £1 each (max of 2 per Family ticket)
General Admission Tickets
Tickets can also be purchased upon arrival at the museum.
Advance online bookings incur a 95p booking transaction fee.
We make tickets available online to purchase up to three months in advance, so please do check back closer to your preferred visit date.
Please note: There are no public toilets onsite at the Museum. We advise visitors to use the public toilets located either in London Bridge (mainline) Station or Borough Market.
2 for 1 and Offers
We offer 2for1 entry on presentation of the following information (please note, if buying in advance, you will need to purchase 2for1 option on the booking page):
- National Rail 2for1 (please ensure you have printed out your voucher prior to your arrival)
- Southwark Presents Card (on presentation of the Card on your arrival)
- Team London Bridge DealCard (on presentation of the Card on your arrival)
- NHS staff ID (on presentation of the Card on your arrival)
If you have a Museums Association card, please book a ticket above and make sure you show your Museum Association Card (digital or physical) at the front desk. We do not accept ICOM members.
If you are an accredited Tour Guide please contact us to get the latest arrangements for Tour Guided visits.
BSL Tours
The museum is pleased to offer BSL guided tours of the museum. For more information and to purchase a ticket, visit our dedicated page.
Surgery & The Victorian Operating Theatre Weekend Talks
If you are looking for a unique experience, consider attending our popular Victorian Surgery talk and demo which takes place on the second and last Saturday of the month. You can book your tickets here.
Gift Vouchers
Why not treat yourself, family or friends to a visit to the Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret?
Baggage:
Only handbags and small backpacks are allowed into the Museum. This is due to the small size of some of the space. You will be asked to carry small backpacks by hand or to wear them on your front.
Pushchairs:
Due to restrictions in space in the historic church, please note we are not able to allow pushchairs into the space; they will need to be left in the foyer which we can keep safe. Please call 020 7188 2679 when you are outside to let us know if you require this upon your arrival.
Closures:
Closed Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays but pre-booked groups can be accommodated.
Animals:
Animals are not permitted in the museum, except for guide dogs. Please see our access page for more information.
Photography:
Non-commercial photography for personal use is allowed in the museum. With the exception of a small number of pathology exhibits which are labelled with a no photography sign, everything else in the museum is okay to be photographed. Please be considerate of other museum visitors when taking pictures. Please do not block walk ways with tripods or equipment. Feel free to mention us if you post your snaps on social media. For commercial photography or other projects please contact us.
Warning: Human Remains on Display
The Museum has a small exhibition on Anatomy & Dissection which helps tell the story of the Medical School of Old St Thomas’ Hospital in the 19th century. This exhibition contains a small pathology collection as well as a teaching skelleton. For more information, please visit our dedicated page here: Our Pathology Collection.