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Wellcome Collection
Free museum and library exploring medicine, life and art with fascinating exhibitions, a café and beautiful reading room.
About
Admission is completely free to this neo-classical museum and library on Euston Road, where you can see everything from Napoleon's toothbrush to shrunken heads alongside a café serving fresh sandwiches and cakes.
Wellcome Collection is a free museum and library housed in a striking neo-classical building on Euston Road, dedicated to exploring the connections between medicine, life and art. The collection spans centuries of objects, from Napoleon’s toothbrush to shrunken heads, displayed across multiple galleries. The Building features a permanent exhibition called Being Human, designed with disabled artists and activists, plus rotating temporary exhibitions. The café serves freshly prepared sandwiches, salads, cakes and hot and cold drinks on the ground floor, while the acclaimed Reading Room on the second floor offers a hybrid space for browsing books, objects and attending free events. The venue hosts group visits, private events and offers fully accessible facilities throughout, including British Sign Language tours and audio-described tours for blind and partially sighted visitors.
Map
Open mapReviews
Read all 5I visited 'The Coming of Age' that examines our perceptions and experiences of aging. The display incorporates numerous modern artworks and historical objects, with the most striking for me being the walking stick of Charles Darwin and the commemorative cups given to centenarians by the Japanese government. The project 'auntiesocial' by Singoperans produces digital and AI-driven art honoring 'auntie culture,' while Japan's 'Restaurant of Mistaken Orders' highlights the pleasure of human interaction instead of productivity.
The Welcome Collection is well worth a visit if you're in this part of London. There is a large extensive cafe and seating area, wonderful galleries and so much to explore and see. Located just across from Euston station it's an easy place to find. Recommended.
Tips
0Is Wellcome Collection suitable for children?+
Yes, the museum welcomes visitors of all ages. Exhibitions explore themes of medicine, life and art in engaging ways, though some content may deal with mature or thought-provoking medical subjects, so parents may want to check current exhibition themes beforehand.
How much does it cost to get in?+
Entry to the permanent collection and most exhibitions is free. Some special exhibitions may have an admission charge, so it's worth checking the Wellcome Collection website before your visit.
What are the opening hours?+
Opening hours are not listed in the venue profile, so it's best to check the official Wellcome Collection website for up-to-date times before you travel.
Price
Good to know
Activity details
- Age rangeAll ages
- Monday10am to 6pm
- Tuesday10am to 6pm
- Wednesday10am to 6pm
- Thursday10am to 9pm
- Friday10am to 6pm
- Saturday10am to 6pm
- Sunday11am to 6pm
Features
- Afternoon Tea
- Assistance Dogs Welcome
- Bar Seating
- Breakfast
- Coat Check
- Event Space
- Family Friendly
- Free WiFi
- Function Room
- Group Bookings
- Locally Sourced
- Lunch
- Meeting Room
- Museum
- Open Mic
- Private Hire
- Sustainable
- Table Service
- Workspace
Reviews
5I visited 'The Coming of Age' that examines our perceptions and experiences of aging. The display incorporates numerous modern artworks and historical objects, with the most striking for me being the walking stick of Charles Darwin and the commemorative cups given to centenarians by the Japanese government. The project 'auntiesocial' by Singoperans produces digital and AI-driven art honoring 'auntie culture,' while Japan's 'Restaurant of Mistaken Orders' highlights the pleasure of human interaction instead of productivity.
The Welcome Collection is well worth a visit if you're in this part of London. There is a large extensive cafe and seating area, wonderful galleries and so much to explore and see. Located just across from Euston station it's an easy place to find. Recommended.
A great museum , actually a hidden gem. I went to visit after my plans changed and was pleasantly surprised. Very interesting exhibitions, lots of places to sit, a decent shop and a packed cafe. All free too. Excellent and highly recommended. Allow an hour or two get around.
Wellcome Collection is one of the most underrated museums in London. The building is spread over several floors and includes many free displays and exhibitions. Free locker space is available on site, the museum is highly accessible, and there are many toilets, all of which were very clean during the visit. ♿ The temporary exhibition on ageing was creative and diverse (Apr26). The captioning throughout was consistently thought-provoking, often using the interests of the artist or object maker to ask direct questions of the viewer. The exhibition also gave clear attention to different cultures and different people’s identities, with accessibility considered across the displays (we took advantage of the audio guide). 🖼️ The café regularly offers a good selection of healthy food, and the gift shop has an unusually wide and interesting range compared with many museum shops. 🛍️ 5/5 ⭐
If you’re near King’s Cross with an hour to spare, skip the station cafes and come here. The Wellcome Collection is a total mood. Their rotating exhibitions are always deeply human, but the real star is the Reading Room upstairs. It’s a library with crazy cool decor and art mixed with books. It feels like a cozy, eccentric laboratory. Super accessible (only a 10-minute walk from the station) and a perfect quiet escape.
Tips
0Questions
8Is Wellcome Collection suitable for children?+
Yes, the museum welcomes visitors of all ages. Exhibitions explore themes of medicine, life and art in engaging ways, though some content may deal with mature or thought-provoking medical subjects, so parents may want to check current exhibition themes beforehand.
How much does it cost to get in?+
Entry to the permanent collection and most exhibitions is free. Some special exhibitions may have an admission charge, so it's worth checking the Wellcome Collection website before your visit.
What are the opening hours?+
Opening hours are not listed in the venue profile, so it's best to check the official Wellcome Collection website for up-to-date times before you travel.
Do I need to book in advance or can I just turn up?+
Walk-ins are generally welcomed for the free permanent galleries, but tickets for special or ticketed exhibitions may need to be booked in advance. Checking the website ahead of your visit is recommended to avoid disappointment.
How busy does it get and when is the best time to visit?+
Like most free London museums, it can get busy on weekends and during school holidays. Visiting on a weekday morning typically offers a quieter, more relaxed experience.
Is there a dress code?+
There is no dress code for Wellcome Collection. Smart-casual or everyday clothing is perfectly fine for both the exhibitions and the café.
Is the venue accessible for visitors with disabilities?+
Wellcome Collection is located in a purpose-built building and is generally considered accessible, with step-free access, lifts, and accessible facilities. It's advisable to check the accessibility section of their website for the most detailed and current information.
How do I get there and is there parking nearby?+
The museum is situated on Euston Road, directly opposite Euston Square Underground station, and is also a short walk from Euston, King's Cross and St Pancras mainline stations. Street parking in the area is very limited, so public transport is strongly recommended.