Wellcome Collection, London

Wellcome Collection, London

If you're interested in something out of the ordinary, consider exploring the assortment curated by Henry Wellcome, a U.S. pharmaceutical tycoon and philanthropist (1853–1936), which delves into the intersections of medicine, life, and art (please note that some exhibits may not be suitable for young children). Comprising an estimated one million items from various corners of the globe, it is now housed in this building and at the Science Museum.

Among the remarkable items on display are Napoléon's exquisite silver gilt-handled toothbrush, Horatio Nelson's razor, and Charles Darwin's walking stick. The collection also includes anatomical models, Peruvian mummies, and Japanese artifacts related to human intimacy. Moreover, a captivating permanent exhibition titled "Being Human" utilizes interactive art and various objects to delve into human health and identity in the 21st century. Visitors can also explore the reimagined Reading Room, which serves as a versatile space combining elements of a library, exhibition area, and event space, and unwind in the café.

On level 2, you'll find the Wellcome Library, which houses a portion of the world's largest collection of books dedicated to the history of medicine.

Tip:
Don't forget to keep an eye out for an original Picasso in the lobby just above the entrance as you arrive.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Wellcome Collection on Map

Sight Name: Wellcome Collection
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery

Walking Tours in London, England

Create Your Own Walk in London

Create Your Own Walk in London

Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
South Bank Walking Tour

South Bank Walking Tour

London’s South Bank, stretching along the southern side of the River Thames, roughly between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge, is one of the most interesting and liveliest parts of the British capital. Here, London’s old soul and modern edge shake hands... and then probably go grab a pint together. Famous for its arts, culture, food, and scenic riverside walks, the area has a long and...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
City of London Walking Tour

City of London Walking Tour

The City of London, often referred to simply as the City (with the capital C), is the historic and financial core of the British capital. Despite being just over one square mile in area (for which reason it is also lovingly dubbed the Square Mile), it holds immense importance as the original site of Londinium, the Roman settlement founded circa 43 AD. Over the centuries, this small patch of land...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Charles Dickens Tour

Charles Dickens Tour

Imagine a world without Dickens. No Oliver Twist, no Ebenezer Scrooge, no brooding orphans wandering foggy streets with suspiciously eloquent vocabularies. Tough to picture, right? That’s because Charles Dickens didn’t just leave a mark on literature-he practically steamrolled through it in a horse-drawn carriage. Recognized as the undisputed heavyweight of Victorian storytelling, he pioneered...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
London's Historic Pubs Walk

London's Historic Pubs Walk

If there’s any more iconic symbol for London than Big Ben or the London Eye, then it must be the traditional English pub. And London sure is full of them, dating from pre-Victorian times to just about five minutes ago.

With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
London Introduction Walking Tour

London Introduction Walking Tour

London: the capital of England, heart of the UK, and international heavyweight in history, culture, and sheer charm. Its name comes straight out of Rome. Londinium was founded circa 43 AD as a trading post. Then came Queen Boudica in 61 AD, who, let’s say, didn’t care much for Roman urban planning and burnt it to the ground. But Londinium wasn’t one to stay down-it bounced back, flourished,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Harry Potter Walking Tour II

Harry Potter Walking Tour II

The Harry Potter movies and London go together like Butterbeer and a cold winter night at Hogsmeade. While much of the magical world was brought to life with computer-generated images and studio sets, quite a few iconic scenes were filmed right in the heart of the British capital, transforming ordinary city spots into wizarding landmarks. Here's a look at six more London locations where the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


London Souvenirs: 18 Distinctively British Products for Travelers

London Souvenirs: 18 Distinctively British Products for Travelers

Most visitors to London consider shopping as part of their must-do London experience. From street markets to Victorian arcades to snobbish Sloane Square to busy Oxford Street, there are a host of shops selling items which typically represent this vibrant city. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs...