Old Operating Theatre Museum - Free Audio Guide

The Old Operating Theatre Museum & Herb Garret, situated at 9a St Thomas Street, London, is a significant museum focusing on surgical history and is among the oldest surviving operating theatres in the UK. Founded in 1962, it features the original operating theatre from 1822, which was used before the introduction of anaesthetics and antiseptic surgery. Visitors can explore the herb garret, a storage area for medicinal herbs, and examine a range of medical artefacts that illustrate the harsh realities of early medical practices. The museum highlights the history of St Thomas's Hospital and influential figures such as Florence Nightingale. It is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, with an admission fee of £8 for adults and reduced rates for children and seniors. The museum is conveniently located near London Bridge station.