Overview

Originally opened in the 1870s, exclusively as a venue for medical students. The Museum is open to the public for special events only. I've worked as a volunteer here for the last 5 years and although there is no step free access I find it do-able. I became disabled since starting volunteering and I've had a lots support from the staff and other volunteers which has enabled me to continue working here and so from personal experience I feel this is a welcoming, accomodating and safe space for disabled people, despite the frustrating limitations in access.

Transport & Parking

The Pathology Museum is inside St Bartholomew's Hospital (Barts). The nearest tube and train station is Farringdon, which is step free and the route from the station to the museum is flat. Nearby is City Thameslink station which had step free access via Ludgate entrance only, which will involve a bit of a hill, so you might prefer Farringdon as the stations are adjacent on the same train line. The buses 56 and 46 both stop directly outside the hospital.

Access

At present there are building works taking place in the hospital grounds, but there is a level access route to the Robin Brook Centre where the museum is located. There is an open archway into the building and a lift which will take you to the third floor. From the lift there is a double set of manual door and a curving staircase with 7 steps and a handrail on one side, see photo. Once inside it is level access. There are 2 mezzanine floors accessible by a spiral staircase, but these floors are not open to the public. The public only have access to the ground floor. The specimens showing examples of disease and illness, are displayed in jars on shelves or in glass cabinets. When the museum is open for an event there are free standing chairs. When there are talks they are usually accompanied with a PowerPoint presentation. When there is an art session free standing tables and chairs are available. At most events tea/ coffee or wine/ soft drinks are available and this is self service from counter tables.

Toilets

There is an accessible toilet on the 3rd floor, on the same level as the lift. It has a manual door but automatic lights. It is spacious, with grab rails but no emergency cord.

Staff

Staff and volunteers are very helpful, friendly. I'm one of the volunteers here (the 5 stars is not for me it's for my colleagues).

Anything else you wish to tell us?

Events are very diverse from medical themed talks (aimed at general public not academic), film shows, musical performances, art installations, Christmas fairs. It's a very cool place to visit. If you are interested in visiting please sign up for the newsletter and be aware that events tend to sell out quickly. General room photography is allowed but not close up photos of the specimens as they are human remains.

Photos