Exhibitions at the RSM | The Royal Society of Medicine

Latest exhibitions

The exhibitions are free to attend. To gain entry to the Library exhibition, you will need to check in at reception. Find out more about visiting the RSM.

Diabetes: Towards the Discovery of Insulin

The RSM Library presents a new joint exhibition, open to all.

Diabetes: Towards the Discovery of Insulin: outlines the milestones in the research and treatment of diabetes before the discovery of insulin.

100 Years of Insulin: a photo exhibition on loan from Novo Nordisk picks up the story with a historical walk-through some of the major innovation milestones related to diabetes care and understanding following the discovery and first use of insulin, whilst detailing the experiences of those living with diabetes – both past and present.

Please note 100 Years of Insulin is on tour from 17 June to 5 July inclusive before returning to the RSM until 30 September.

Medicine and Literature

From Shakespeare to Shelley, this exhibition explores medical themes in literature.

Monday - Wednesday & Friday: 9.30am - 6.00pm
Thursday: 9.30am - 7.00pm*
Saturday - Sunday: closed
*The library will close at 7.00pm on Thursdays until 30 June 2022

Admission free. Open to all. Until 12 September 2022

The Library, Royal Society of Medicine, 1 Wimpole Street, London, W1G 0AE

Download the exhibition booklet

Online exhibitions

Famous figures

From oil paintings to art prints, this online exhibition explores the notable physicians, scientists and famous historical figures that can be found in the RSM's art collection.

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Treasures of the RSM

A fascinating insight into the history of medicine, the growth of the medical and scientific professions and into the lives of former members of the Society.

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Notable Presidents of the Royal Society of Medicine

Take a closer look at a few of the prominent figures who have been inaugurated as President of the Royal Society of Medicine.

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Around the world: Medical journeys through the ages

Follow voyages of world-renowned physicians, surgeons and nurses that have shaped our understanding of medicine, through the exploration of journals, logs and records dating back to the 1700s.

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The rise of the specialty

This exhibition looks at the 100-year anniversary of the Royal Society of Medicine’s Urology Section, which was crucial to the establishment of urology as a medical specialty.

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Sir William Osler, 1849-1919

A great figure in medicine from the late 1800s onwards, Sir William Osler was a member of the RSM and one of the founders of our History of Medicine Section. This exhibition takes a close look at the life of the renowned physician.

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History of the Library

Steeped in 200 years of history, learn more about the beginnings of the RSM’s Library and how it has evolved into one of the largest medical libraries in Europe.

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Women in medicine

Showcasing women throughout history who have practised medicine, this online exhibition is a celebration of leading female clinicians who have paved the way for women to practice medicine today.

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Snapshots in LGBTQ + medical history

Showcasing key dates and moments that have impacted the medical history of LGBTQ, from the first documented gender reassignment surgery to the formation of LGBT networks by the UK Department of Health.

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A harmless treasure

Take a closer look at the RSM Library’s collection of rare and beautiful herbal illustrations from the 16th and 17th century, including John Gerard's The Herball and John Parkinson's Theatrum Botanicum.

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The Victorian Botanist

Continuing the theme of herbal illustration in our previous exhibition, A Harmless Treasure, this exhibition showcases the botanical books that emerged from the popular pursuit of botany in the Victorian era.

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