Wellcome Collection

• Explore the human experience through the fusion of art and science at the Wellcome Collection.
• Take a tour of the museum with a local expert and get a fresh perspective on the displays.
• Check out the free family events that are held in the Reading Room and the incredible creative workshops for teens.

The Wellcome Collection is one of the best free museums in London to visit with the kids. From medicine to modern art, this museum focuses on exploring what it means to be human. With amazing permanent displays along with fresh and exciting temporary exhibitions, tours, workshops and more, this is a brilliant location for all the family to enjoy. 

The Wellcome Collection is home to three permanent displays that explore the human condition through the media of art and science. The well-known Being Human exhibition asks what it is like to be alive in the 21st century, with 50 pieces of art covering themes like Genetics and Environmental Breakdown, there's so much to think about.

The Medicine Man exhibition takes the viewer through the discovery and development of medicine and care for the human body throughout time. Featuring sculptures, diagrams and sacred objects from cultures all over the world, this display shows the beliefs of different nations through time and really illustrates just how far society and technology has come.

The final permanent free exhibition is called Medicine Now. This display explores the relationship between modern medicine and art, showing people’s responses to the development in technology as well as fears about what humankind has yet to face. These three exhibitions are totally unique, and a brilliant fusion of science and art that will delight everyone in the family regardless of how experienced you are in these fields. 

Keep an eye out for the temporary exhibitions as well. The Wellcome Collection is always bringing in fresh perspectives on the collaboration of art, science and global issues. Some past exhibitions include; The Pharmacy of Colour, Living With Building, The Psychology of Magic and more. Kids and parents alike will have fun and benefit from seeing different ideas and expressions on concepts like these.

The Wellcome Collection has a daily tour guide service that brings visitors around the exhibitions and the building itself. Get some incredible insight into the history of the Collection as well as partaking in interesting discussions based on the displays. The knowledgeable staff is always on hand to answer any questions you may have. Sometimes experts in fields like medicine and art are invited in to give a guest tour of certain exhibitions and share their unique perspective on the pieces on display. This is a fantastic way to deeply engage with the museum and all the amazing artwork it houses.

The Wellcome Collection also houses the Wellcome Library, which is fully packed with hundreds of interesting books available to loan. Whether you’re looking to conduct research and study of your own or you just have a keen interest in some of the subjects covered by the literature here, the public is very welcome to make use of this amazing bank of knowledge. 

Younger kids will love relaxing in the Reading Room where there are bean bags and comfy sofas for visitors to curl up and get cozy with the books. Fun family events like book groups, art workshops, discussions and small performances often take place in the Reading Room for the public to attend. Led by local artists, writers and professors, there is so much for visitors to do and learn in this museum beyond the exhibitions. 

For teenagers between the ages of 14 - 19, the Wellcome Collection hosts a variety of workshops to help nurture their creative spirit. From the Saturday Studio which invites experts in fields like photography, coding, animation and more to the RawMinds group where intellectual young people come together in their free time and learn new skills like film making, product design and sculpture, there are so many fun activities to avail of. Best of all, these workshops are completely free! It’s an amazing opportunity for teenagers to meet new people and develop useful creative skills in this ever changing world we live in. ‍

What to know before you go
 

• The Wellcome Collection is open every Monday - Saturday from 10am - 6pm. The museum is open late on Thursdays, closing at 8pm.
• The Wellcome Café is located on site and is perfect for a light refreshment after the cultural excursion.
• For those who have a hunger for something more, the Wellcome Kitchen is a quality restaurant on Level 2 that serves delicious meals for all visitors.
• The Wellcome Shop is located on the ground floor and sells books, toys, prints and other unique souvenirs.
• There are toilets, including wheelchair accessible toilets, and baby-changing facilities on every floor.
• The Wellcome Collection building is wheelchair accessible. There is a wheelchair borrowing service that visitors can avail of on site.
• Large print pamphlets and magnifiers, induction loops and audio descriptions are all available inside the museum for visitors who may need them.
• Assistance dogs are welcome on site. 
   

Getting there

• The closest Tube stations are Euston Square, Euston and Warren Street, all just a short walk from the museum.
• The nearest rail stations to the museum are Euston, St Pancras International and King’s Cross.
• Bus routes 18, 30, 73, 205 and 390 all stop near the museum.
• If you are driving, there are parking spaces reserved for Blue Badge holders on site. Able-bodied visitors are requested to find parking in the streets nearby.