Florence Nightingale Museum

Learn about the life and times of the pioneering nurse Florence Nightingale at this extensive museum that is, appropriately enough, located at the St Thomas' Hospital. 

The museum's meticulously researched exhibitions go into great detail about Florence's childhood, her formative experiences of the Crimean War and her work to pioneer nursing as a profession. Her remarkable story is vividly told through unique collections, interactive displays, historic artifacts and art installations.

The museum collection has an extraordinary amount of personal items that belonged to 'The Lady with the Lamp', including approximately 800 letters that she wrote, as well as an important rare book collection of 284 titles, even the wheelchair that she spent the last years of her life in and even the taxidermied body of Florence's beloved pet owl.

Opened in 1989, the museum forms a key part of London's medical heritage trail and has been extended over the years to incorporate the stories of other influential nurses such as Mary Seacole, and to celebrate the modern and contemporary contribution of British nurses at home and abroad.