Welcome to the Old Operating Theatre Museum & Herb Garret
Housed in the attic of the early eighteenth-century church of the Old St Thomas’ Hospital, this atmospheric museum offers a unique insight into the history of medicine and surgery. The original timber-framed Herb Garret was once used to dry and store herbs for patients’ medicines, and in 1822, an operating theatre was installed. Once used for operations that predated anaesthetics and antiseptics, it is the oldest surviving surgical theatre in Europe for female patients.
Access to the attic is through a narrow 52-step spiral staircase.
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.
Opening Times
- General Admission: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10.30am – 5.00pm
- Last admission is 4.15pm
- Price: Adults £10.00, Concessions £8.00, Child £6.50, Family £22.00 (events are charged separately).
- The entrance is via a 52-step narrow spiral staircase.
Family Workshops
at the Museum
During the February, May and October half terms, we offer FREE Family Friendly Workshops and lots of fun activities for you to get involved with.
Bloomberg Connects App
Use our free Bloomberg Connects digital guide to plan your visit and dig deeper into the museum’s collection.
Virtual Tour
of the Museum
Explore the Museum from the comfort of your own home with our virtual tour. Starting in St Thomas’ Street, you will enter St Thomas’ Church, once part of the old St Thomas’ Hospital. After heading up our 52-step spiral staircase, the tour takes you into the Museum itself which is located in the roof space of the Church.
The Old Op Apothecary Shop
Museum + Heritage Awards 2022 Shop of the Year Shortlistee!
Influenced by apothecaries of the past and inspired by contemporary approaches to health and well-being, we’re working with the very best local and independent makers and creators to provide you with time-tested cures for the modern world.
All income from shop sales is invested back into the upkeep of this historic space, its collection and exciting programming.
Gift Vouchers
an ideal gift
Treat your friends, family or yourself to a visit to the Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret. Once you’ve purchased your tickets, you will receive an email with a download button for you to retrieve the gift voucher. Just print this off or forward to the lucky recipient. All the information to redeem their super gift will be on the gift voucher.
