Well first of all it's free to visit. Ahem! FREE....to visit. For a tourist, it's almost virtually unheard of in London other than some of the art museums and other minor attractions or if you've got the London Pass. Anyway, my sister and I being the nerds that we are decided to check this place out. *Spoiler Alert* It's a museum of mainly surgical/medical specimens. So if you got creeped out by all those animals in jars of formaldehyde in high school chemistry or biology then you might want to sit this one out. Honestly, it's not that creepy but more so very interesting. Even if you don't have an understanding or appreciation for medical science, I still think most people would find this place highly educational and mind-boggling. I'm sure most people have watched a medical surgery show on TV or saw vids on the internet of things of that nature or weird animals. So, this museum kind of sums that up but in thousands of glass jars filled with all sorts of animals, body parts, tumors, cancers, and bones. The variety in genus and species is astounding. The main floor is seemingly endless jars of things. There isn't a huge amount of information or placards but you can read the jars and kind of figure it out or write it down later and search it online. I found myself asking how? and why? or what in the heck is that? I like that it made me think back to things I learned in college without even noticing it. I didn't take any photos as they said not to and also I didn't think it would be appropriate. The have a small gift shop & have guided tours on some days so check the website. I know I said it's free, and it is but it's suggested to donate about £3 to keep things running. Still mega-cheap. It kind of blows (no pun intended) that a large portion of the museum and the majority of what was contained within was destroyed or badly damaged by bombs in World War II. Such is war I guess, but we live and learn and the rebuilt museum is almost better than ever. read more

Hunterian Museum - Museums Near Me - London, XGL

This museum has the skeleton of Charles Byrnes on display since around the 1730s despite his express wishes to not have his body dissected or put on display. Byrnes was around 7' 7" tall likely due to a gene mutation and was well known. Prior to Byrnes died 1783 at just 22, Dr. Hunter who this museum is named after, tried to buy the rights to Mr. Byrnes' corpse but he declined and soon before his death, he made an express wish to have his body buried at sea. However, Dr. Hunter legitimately stole his corpse and put his skeleton on display. the current administration continues to do, with no plans to remove. You would think after 200 odd years the museum might want to right the wrongs of the past but I guess continuing to make a quick buck off those less fortunate is important to them. Free Byrnes! May he some day rest in peace. BBC article for reference below. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-54644243.amp read more

This is a cool, funky little museum in the surgeon school that they've had for centuries, and was inportantbto then getting their origonal charter. It's mostly one guy's collection of preparations. It's pretty amazing that hundreds of dissected bodies and organs have lasted for so long. Some stuff is sort of gruesome, but it's a cool museum. There are human and animal skeletons, parts, and preparations showing all sorts of things, whole bodies and particular internal systems. There's a little room on surgical instruments. There's a giant's skeleton, a bunch of syphilitic skulls, a hydrocephalitic enlarged skull, to name a few things. There are two floors of galleries. The physical space is small, but the cases are jam packed with thousands of exhibits, so one could spend many hours here, especially one interested in medicine. John Soanes museum is across the square. read more

See all

Both the most underrated museum and best early-on date location in London! The Hunterian Museum is actually part of a collection of museums across the UK that have been brought together over four centuries by a cast of colourful characters. They are a fascinating mix of human and animal anatomy and pathology specimens, wax teaching models, surgical and dental instruments as well as paintings, drawings and sculpture. Date-wise, there are so many talking points, and if you accidentally let slip 'I still watch the Simpsons over the News' and think you've blown your chances - no! Because this museum is full of the most weird and embarrassing afflictions you could dream of to help you save face constantly for over an hour. In fact some exhibits are even a little upsetting occasionally (but not as upsetting as an awkward early date - but yes a few exhibits do make you feel a little sad but v fortunate to have the genetics and NHS you were born with). I am a biochemist and aspiring med-student so specimens in display cases and jars are my bread and butter, which makes for some uncomfortable digestion. And though I would recommend it to those in my field a hundred times over, I would suggest it to those unacquainted with biology a thousand times more as it'll be that much more of a surprise. I've been there 4 times in 4 years and it doesn't get any less intriguing :) it's the best. read more

Hunterian Museum - The museum is wonderfully presented and not overly filled with science jargon. Just enough to make you wonder a bit. - Museums Near Me - London, XGL

The focus of this museum is primarily science-based, with their main emphasis on the aspects of both human and animal form - they have one of the largest human anatomy collections in the UK. This translates into plenty of human tissues - everything from layers of skin to fully formed fetuses - floating around in formaldehyde on display in glass jars. This also means that the very idea of visiting Hunterian's niche exhibits grosses most people out simply by reading their descriptions. However, if you have any interest in the human body, or biology, or are merely a non-squeamish individual who is curious and wants a different sort of day out learning about something rather unique and intriguing - the Hunterian is recommended. I should make it perfectly clear that this isn't some tacky wax museum or freakish Ripley's Believe it or Not... everything here is very tastefully presented. The exhibition halls were recently refurbished - it took them two years from start to finish - and you can tell. The space is beautifully laid-out and the specimens aren't remotely garish. The vibe is sort of Victorian/romantic/scientific. To merely say that human tissues are displayed in glass jars really doesn't give you the full effect - it's more like some kind of art installation - there seems to be that level of respect for what's on display. With each piece, even the fetuses, you can read the story behind them - making them more real and human. This is a true educational experience (though I would say, not a kid-friendly one). It's amazing what you can learn from looking at tissues and bones... that you can tell a human's origin by looking at their skull... or how this or that organ functions... the wealth of information here seems endless. And it's guaranteed that you will leave with more appreciation for the body and human form. read more

Hunterian Museum - Organ Specimens - Museums Near Me - London, XGL

Entering in the rather austere and beautiful main door of the Royal College of Surgeons, I tried my best to look like I was meant to be there, and asked at the front desk for the Hunterian Museum. The nice fellow handed us three visitors' badges and directed us through the gate. John Hunter: collector of anatomical freaks. Recently, the Hunterian was featured on Channel 4's series Genius of Britain, and Lord Professor Robert Winston specifically drew our attention to the 7'7 Irish Giant skeleton, which Hunter bought £130. But this is not all there is the the museum. In a relatively small space, the Hunterian is crammed full of general guides to anatomy (the Evelyn tables were our favourites), anatomical anomalies (such as the Irish Giant), remains ravaged by diseases (bones pocked and worn by syphilis, a skull swollen by hydrocephalus) and plenty of things in formaldehyde. There was also a huge collection of surgical tools (old and new) and videos of various surgeries (some which I was engrossed by, some which I was grossed out by). The Hunterian Museum is located on the first floor of the RCS (entrance via Lincoln's Inn Fields). The nearest tube stations are Holborn and Chancery Lane. They are open Tuesday Saturday, 10am 5pm. They do a guided tour every Wednesday at 1pm. And what's more: it's completely free! read more

Hunterian Museum - Museums Near Me - London, XGL

See all

This Museum is way cool. There is some very strange things to view from every part of the body as well as the archaic tools that were used to remove or repair the injury. There is 10 foot by 6 foot wall of medical abnormalities and tumors associated to just reproductive organs. This place does not cost anything to go in, though they do have a donation jar at the end when you leave. Stand in line (I waited less than 20 minutes, they will give you a badge, and then head up the stairs to the left to view the museum. Take your time and walk around both the upper and lower floor. The downside is that they do not allow pictures. That did not stop people, but I did not want to be a rule breaker. Some of these items are in excess of 100 years old. I wanted to treat them with respect. What did I learn today? I think that they have Lance Armstrong's grapefruit sized testicles in glass here. Serves him right!!! (Actually I doubt that they do, but I couldn't resist). read more

The Hunterian Museum is a quirky little museum and may not be for everybody. If innards of animals and humans preserved in jars make you queasy - then I'd say stay away. If you are interested in science or the history of medicine, then this is the place for you! It houses the Irish Giant's skeleton and many other creatures in formaldehyde. This museum could take up to 2hrs to go through The Hunterian Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free and there is also a free curator led walking tour. read more

The Hunterian Museum is either right up your alley or would be of no interest to you. Want to know which group you're in? Read the following paragraph. The Hunterian Museum is two stories filled with jars containing various organs and samples from all types of species. This includes humans. Lots and lots of humans. Human pieces floating in jars.Also, there is a section that goes into great detail of how surgeries of all types have been conducted throughout the ages. Some look more like torture devices. Fascinated? Get thee to Hunterian Museum. Grossed out? Don't say I didn't warn you! As others have said, it's an incredibly clean and well organized space, thoroughly modern. They have done an excellent job in presenting all of their specimens. They are organized by body system. For example, you could compare the circulatory systems of a number of different species. They have a small area of medical oddities, which will be of interest, and probably is responsible for a disproportionate percentage of the museum's traffic. The skeleton of some "Irish Giant" is prominently displayed. Maybe he was a bigger deal on this side of the pond. If this type of museum is at all your cup of tea, you'll be glad you visited Hunterian. read more

There is an absolute shed loads of human and animal parts in jars at this museum! Covering over 200 years of surgery, this museum goes into the techniques, instruments, and education aspects of surgery. There are loads of interesting specimens, from the 7.5 foot Irish Giant to the wooden knife students used to practice surgery on live patients. Although this museum was extremely interesting, I recommend going before lunch, as there were a few times where I felt a little queasy. Good thing I'm not in the medical profession. Apparently the collection is only 1/3 of what it was before WW2 because the original museum was bombed. It's such a shame because the current collection is very eclectic and has all sorts of interesting bits... I can't even imagine what the original collection was like! If you're at all interested in anatomy and how great medical discoveries are made, check out this museum. read more

Now, this is something you don't see every day. I've seen a similar exhibit at the Museum of Natural History in Vancouver, BC, which seems to have a lot more specimen than the Hunterian when it comes to animals, but this one has a large amount of human specimen, which is a bit creepy but very interesting at the same time. The museum is free, located in a beautiful old building, the Royal College of Surgeons, and boasts a large variety of anatomical, surgical and pathological exhibits. If you're the squeamish sort, this may not be the place for you, for everyone else, this museum is vastly interesting and fascinating. Jars filles with partially dissected animals, preserved body parts and foetuses in various stages of development, history and examples of the evolution of modern medicine, exhibits on old medical procedures and how methods of treatment and surgery developed over the years. There's a few exhibits of questionable origin and I find it very sad that the Irish Giant's skeleton is still on display though it's widely known that Mr. Hunter obtained the skeleton despite Charles Byrne's explicit request to be buried at sea. However, the museum is intensely interesting, if a bit morbid, and there are two floors of amazing exhibits to see and it's definitely worth a visit! Such a fascinating, different place. read more

The museum covers wide variety of specimens including animal and human parts. There are also diseased specimens that Dr Hunter collected during his surgeries to use for teaching. The museum also teaches you about history of development of surgery which I found very interesting. The museum may not be for people who do not want to be grossed out but it was very informative and made me want to take care of my body to be more healthy... read more

If you want to see a lot of weird stuff in jars this is the place for you. We were surprised to several other people here...goths and emos were easily spotted too. Some interesting things to look for: unborn quadruplets, unborn babies at each term of pregnancy, sloth foetus, bumblebee dissection, cross-sections of penises and scrotums, enlarged prostates, the skeleton of the Irish Giant, a room full of paintings of people who have abnormalities that became performers such as the first pair of Siamese twins, Chang and Ang. Overall a very interesting place to visit and free activity in Central London. read more

Hunterian Museum - Museums Near Me - London, XGL

See all

Jars, jars, and more jars filled with medical oddities and conditions. You want to see what cancer does to your body? Well, you'll see it here. They have everything from dissected animals to human genitals and organs floating in formaldehyde. I was SO excited to visit the Hunterian on my most recent trip to London. Like all the other museums in London, the Hunterian is free. So amazing. Of course, you have the option to leave a donation if you wish. I think you could easily spend a couple hours here, but it's actually very small. It's like a big two story room, so there is a lot to see, but, unfortunately, that means there are a LOT of people crammed into a pretty small space. (I didn't realize so many people knew about this place!) It made it a little unpleasant to be there, because you have to jockey your way around people if you don't have the time to be there all day. The only other huge drawback is they don't allow photos. Even cell phone photos. :( I was kind of disappointed since I was really looking forward to taking some pics here. (So, these people posting pics on yelp definitely broke the rules. Shame on you, but I get it. The place is cool.) read more

The moment I entered this museum I was like a kid in candy shop. I know, it sounds gross but this is the most beautiful place I have ever been to -ever! I love zombies (tee-hee), I love taxidermy, craniums so... you get the idea. Since childhood I have been fascinated about preserving animals/humans (my granddad was a hunter so we used to have loads of stuffed animals in the house). The Hunterian Museum represents the collection of John Hunter , he basically started this museum. But obviously, since then, the collection has been supplemented by others including an Odontological Collection and the natural history collections of Richard Owen. The collection consists of actual human body parts, animals, bones, craniums, loads of human foetus and deformed vertebrae, frogs, mice everything you can imagine. I think at one point this guy got sooo involved in what he was doing that it didnt matter anymore if the body parts had any medical reference, he would just cut- dissect- and display. Everything is categorised and shown in a healthy and an unhealthy state. But it is scary to see how from a simple tooth ache people would die or from a splinter the whole freaking leg had to be cut off because of gangrene. But at the same time I love how this museum takes you through the evolution of the medical system- how the number of deaths dropped drastically when they discovered antibiotics and how it shows you these "neanderthal" medical tools that would butcher you then this fancy robot that can stitch the finest of veins. We've come a loooooong way, i tell you that. What i don't like is the fact that they still have the "Irish Giant" (8ft body) on display. Mr. Irish Giant was snatched by Hunter against his dying wish...for about £130, I think. To be honest I really don't like this guy anymore, especially for not respecting a dying man's wish...and for the dead kittens he put on display. Anyway, this museum is not for everybody. My boyfriend felt sick and had to go to the toilet several times- he still refuses to believe it was from the jars. The Hunterian Museum is located on the first floor of the RCS (entrance via Lincoln's Inn Fields). The nearest tube stations are Holborn and Chancery Lane. They are open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm. They do a guided tour every Wednesday at 1pm . "The tour is open to everyone but places are limited to 25 people and advance booking is recommended - this tour is open to individuals and small groups up to a maximum of 5 people. Call 020 7869 6560 to reserve places." And the best part is that this whole museum is free!!! read more

The most underrated museum in central London, in my opinion. I've been here twice now, once with a friend who is studying to become a doctor, and it was fascinating both times! There are thousands of human and animal specimens, some of which make you shudder to think about how Hunter acquired them... anyway.... There's nothing like this anywhere else. In NYC, the Bodies exhibit doesn't come close. There's nowhere else you can see perfectly preserved critters with their skin cut away so their organs hang out. I guess I have a morbid sense of curiosity.. Also it's FREE! You're not really supposed to take pictures inside though. Go after lunch :) read more

Truly amazing if you appreciate anatomy. There were some things that I skimmed over but being able to see such a vast collection of different specimens was almost a bit overwhelming. I suggest that if you have an appreciation for this type of thing, you clear your schedules and spend a good amount of time here. I wish I lived in the area because the curator told me that they were going to start holding free tours on Wednesday! I definitely though this place was amazing, especially since it was free. I also wish they had a bigger gift shop! read more

If you are into surgical history, seeing specimens of famous parts, and people- then this is the museum for you. If you get queazy looking at parts- don't go here Based on the collection of John Hunter, with thousands of specimens, the museum goes beyond that with the entire history of surgery from the break with the barbers to modern laparoscopic surgery. Made me proud to be a part of such a great profession. read more

One of the most visually stunning places in London, though not for the squeamish as the collection is absolutely unflinching. As a painter with a slight obsession with medical imagery and history, this place is like coming home. Amazingly, the museum is built around the collection and research of one man - John Hunter - a Scottish anatomist whose attitude toward the study of the human body often clashed with the popular attitude of 18th century England. For instance, many of his specimens were obtained illegally as scientific study of the dead remained taboo. (In one of the more upsetting cases, he originally approached Charles Byrne, the Irish Giant, when he was alive and asked permission to study him after his death. Byrne was appalled and made arrangements to be buried at sea in a secure coffin. Money was exchanged post-mortem, however, and you can see his skeleton on display here.) There are many preserved human and animal parts, as Hunter was interested above all in mapping the mystery of nature via dissection. This is an amazing collection of Hunter's life's work and the people who are associated with the museum are as enthusiastic about it as Hunter was. I've been approached by a lecturers when wandering around as they often give little free talks about specialist subjects. And all this strange historic wonder for free. *swoon* read more

Hunterian Museum consists of two stories packed with jars that contain various organs and specimens from all kinds of species. There are lots of human organs floating in jars. There is also aplacewhere you can see how surgeries have been showedall through the ages. read more

Best museum in London. It's small, but there's plenty to see and discover. I've been here three times and I still feel like I haven't seen everything. It's a cross between a medical museum and a cabinet of curiosities. A truly original experience. read more

Wandering round the vast public space that is Lincoln's Inn fields, you would not suspect that this place exists. John Hunter was one of those mad guys who just decide off their own bats to change the way things are done, and basically created modern medicine and biology with his comprehensive dissections and compulsive collecting. This collection has to be seen to be believed, and should appeal to all the goth kids out there. There are dead people, dead babies, brains, skulls, heads, jaws, teeth eyes, every animal you've ever heard of cut into pieces, baby animals, foetuses, all pleasantly pickled in lethal solutions that would probably kill you if you so much as sniffed them. I don't think this is going to appeal to everyone, but if you've ever wondered through a freak show at a waxworks, or you like gruesome horror movies, or you're thinking of becoming a serial killer, and you don't quite know what to expect, then this is for you. read more

Hunterian Museum - Museums Near Me - London, XGL

One of two really good reasons to visit Lincolns Inn Fields (the other being John Soanes place) This collection of scientific goodies is truly a sight to behold and will interest anyone with a passing fancy in medical history, animals or dissection! It is pretty gruesome at times but what a collection of unusual artefacts! Others here have said plenty about the kind of thing on offer and it is true its a real hidden gem of unusualness read more

Absolutely not for the faint hearted, this museum is part of the Royal College of Surgeons and reveals a grisly past of body-snatching and slicing. Initially I found the collection of dissected creatures fascinating. But when I saw the series of reptiles killed as they were hatching from their eggs, showing each stage with a dead baby reptile, I got a bit upset. The skeleton of a man with gigantism accompanied by the story of how his body was taken for exhibit against his dying wishes was a bit much. Then I saw something so horrific and upsetting that I started shaking and had to sit in the recovery position in shock for some time. People who liked Bodyworks might be able to cope. However, there are dead babies and bits of children in here, so it can be very distressing. Admission is free and there are talks and tours too. read more

Beautifully displayed, this scientific depository - including macabre curiosities and important surgical advances - maps the journey from those early days of surgery with it limited knowledge and insight to our current life altering knowledge of the human body. The collection is amazing - set in the Royal College of Surgeons - this museum and the history of the RCS are fundamental to the life saving surgeries that perhaps we take for granted but have huge impact on our quality of life. The array of dissected, formaldehyde soaked animal and human parts is fascinating. The progressive collections of surgical equipment and their uses only goes to reinforce the gratitude for all the endeavours this museum represents. There is much to marvel at and the odd section to feel a little uneasy with. As a footnote I felt rather humbled as we left and the two older gentlemen on the museums reception - explained - when asked by a young lady that they were both volunteers and both retired surgeons. read more

This museum is amazing! Loads and loads of preserved body parts and animals. Very creepy. Very cool. The surgery exhibit was especially cool to me. The museum is free but there is a jar to make a donation on your way out the door. I don't know that I would bring anyone with a queasy stomach- it can be a but intense at times. read more

Surprisingly good and fun. Although may not be suitable for kids, and some parts of the exhibition are bit creepy and give me goosebumps, overall it's a wonderful experience, even I'm never interested in medicine before. read more

It's free, it's educational and a bit weird. Very interesting place to spend some time. If you like looking at preserved dead stuff, you hit the jackpot. In other news you can learn about the history of surgery. The building itself is pretty old and a pleasure to explore. No reason not to go, wade in ! read more

Came here for a school function, and really enjoyed myself. Highly informative for those interested in anatomy, and also it's kind of a source of controversy over the giant Charles Byrnes remains. Worth checking out if you're interested in science. read more

Free!! It is a little museum situated in the College of Surgeons - there are a lot of pathology pots, people might find it confronting but if you want to feel like what's like to be a medical student this is the place for you to go and enjoy part of the medical science, there are a lot of interesting historical surgical instruments both from past and present on display as well read more

In searching for non-/not-as touristy things to do in London, this came up, and it was my favorite attraction. It was slightly morbid, fascinating, and free! Such a shame that we saved it for the last day and didn't arrive early enough to see both floors. I would most definitely recommend it to others, and visit it again. read more

Incredibly cool museum! If you're into anatomy, biology and medicine you'll find this place very fascinating, although even if you aren't you'll likely love all the specimens they have on display. Definitely not for the faint-hearted as there are some pretty gruesome bits. Almost everything I'd like to say is covered by others so in order to not sound redundant I'd just say it's probably one of the interesting and unique museums in Museum Mile. read more

The best of the medical museums in London. Fascinating history of medicine (surgery in particular) over 300+ years. Free admission plus very helpful and informative staff equals five stars. read more

The Hunterian is fascinating, awe-inspiring and truly gruesome. Spread over two floors are medical curiosities, stories about early surgical procedures and countless specimens of animal, bird and fish. Babies, foetuses and human body parts are also categorised and shown in healthy and unhealthy states. The museum is arranged so that even those unfamiliar with surgery like me! - are able to engage and it is absolutely captivating. Some of the portraits at the bottom of the ground floor describe the lives of freaks and along with the Irish Giant who's 8ft body, on display, was snatched by Hunter against his dying wish cause you to pause for thought, but despite it being a little hard to stomach at times, it really makes your heart race and your mind whirr! read more

Located on the first floor of the Royal College of Surgeons is the Hunterain museum a fascinating, if not somewhat bizarre, collection of human body parts, bones and dead aminals probably not for the faint hearted as some of the displays are a little gruesome. It makes you realise just how far modern medicine has come, and without the research shown in the specimens on display it may not have got to where it is today. read more

The Hunterian Museum is an absolutely brilliant collection of 1000s of specimans - ranging from whole animal fetuses to organs with tumors, insects, birds, dissected brains, etcetc. It fascinating for both the scientist and the layman. There are examples of what a hernia looks like, cancer, genetic mutations, heart disease, tuberculosis - you name it. Arranged as a sort-of tribute to medical history (there are exhibits about plastic surgery in the 1800s and surgical instruments from the past), most of the specimans were collected over 100-200 years ago, making the collection even more remarkable. It's a brilliant place for kids, adults, tourists and locals. I can't believe I'd never been before now! Set out over two floors and with thousands of jars, bones, skeletons and signs to look at, the Hunterian Museum provides both an educational and entertaining afternoon. read more

Interesting collection hidden off Lincoln inn fields, and was virtually empty on a Saturday morning. My partner is in the medical profession so found it v. Informative, but enough to keep the non medical ones amongst us entertained for an hour! Free and easy to find read more

One of London's "hidden treasures". Not the most advertised, but by far one of the most captivating museums in London. The Hunterian exhibits the person collection of various specimens of the anatomist and surgeon, John Hunter. The two floors of wall to wall cabinets is very sobering - a must see if you're not squeamish! read more

This is a must for anyone interested in biology or health. They had several thousands of specimen of different creatures, including human. Many of the specimen on display were some kind of organ of a creature affected by a disease. I especially liked the different human skeletons, including foetal skeletons. Also appreciated seeing the different instruments used through the last 200 or so years for surgeries. This museum is not for the faint hearted. If you are interested in looking at the organic speciment, then reserve at least three hours. My only criticisms: being a museum mainly for adults, there should be more explanation about things, as not all of us have medical backgrounds. For instance, showing a human liver affected by some disease only makes sense if one knows what a healthy human liver should look like, and ideally see them side by side. Similar thing for the skulls: i would like to know how they estimate the sex, age and race of the human skull and see it under the skulls themselves. read more

I visited England in January for about a week and my bf's friend told me about this place and I decided we had to go. We managed to get there about 15 minutes before it closed on a Saturday, but still were able to do a quick walkthrough of both stories of the museum. I found the entire place fascinating and could probably spend all day there. My bf, was a little disturbed by some of the exhibits so I'm not sure he enjoyed it as much. If I ever make it back to London, I will definitely be visiting the Hunterian again. read more