Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow

232-242 St Vincent Street G2 5RJ

Original architect unknown, 1820; alterations by JJ Burnet, 1892

Category B Listed

The College occupies three 19th century houses with finely decorated Beaux Arts interiors, first built in 1820 with later additions by JJ Burnet. You can view the magnificent collections, including medical instruments, rare books, portraits and contemporary art.

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow was founded in 1599 and moved into its current home on St Vincent Street in 1862. Today the building is in constant use for College business, educational events, examinations, and venue hire. Doors Open Day provides you with a unique chance to fully explore this beautiful building, look round areas not normally open to the public, and discover our varied collection of treasures.

The College has played an active role in the city of Glasgow for over 400 years. Our beautiful building and our collections of medical instruments, rare books and artefacts paint a fascinating picture of the life of the city, and the history of medicine in Scotland and beyond.

And we’re not just about medicine! Visitors can also view our copy of John James Audubon’s wonderful “Birds of America” in the Library Reading Room, and browse our collections of portraits and contemporary art on display throughout the College.

A video tour will be playing in the Maurice Bloch Lecture Theatre, providing visitors with an introduction to the history of the College, its collections, and its significant role in Glasgow’s past.

Staff and Senior Fellows of the College will also be on hand to assist visitors and answer any questions.

Part of the Childrens Programme: There’s so much to discover in all the nooks and crannies of the College! We’re offering a quiz for children that will guide them round the College and help them to find the most exciting and interesting things in our collections.

Discover Glasgows Industrial Heritage: Glasgow was home to a number of respected manufacturers of surgical instruments throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. You can see some of their instruments on display in the College, and learn more about how they were made and used for all different types of surgical procedures.

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