The Wellcome Collection surprised me in a good way. Located near Euston station, this free museum and library is a calm, spacious place with a beautiful reading room. If you’re looking for something a little different from London’s traditional museums, then this is one for you.
Founded by Sir Henry Wellcome in the early 20th century, each gallery offers a thought-provoking mix of art, science and medicine which explores the past, present and future of health. The rooms are spacious and clutter free with plenty of interactive exhibits. Lots of activities for children to enjoy with multi-media presentations and buttons to push!
The Reading Room
This was my favourite space and I regretted not having more time to curl up and read. If you don’t bring your own book, then there are plenty of bookshelves, full of interesting reads to borrow while you are there. There are tables dotted about for you to do some work on a laptop and lots of comfy chairs and sofas including bean bags on the staircase. It had a quiet and studious atmosphere but was equally child friendly. There were plenty of exhibits in the room to distract or amuse too.
The Wellcome Library
This free library has over 1 million books exploring art, health and culture with a rare materials room. There are also plenty of desks for studying or working. You can collect a day card on a first come first served basis to browse the books or use the study space. If you want to access the e-library or rare books, then you will need to become a member. The library is only available to adults and is temperature controlled, so bring a jumper!
Café and Shop
On the ground floor, you will find the lovely café and eclectic gift shop filled with quirky books. It’s not particularly cosy, but it’s perfect for a quick drink before heading up to the really cosy reading room.
Toilets
Available on each floor, they are clean, modern and accessible.
Tickets for the Wellcome Collection
You do not need a ticket to enter unless you are visiting the library. You can get a day card at the admissions desk on the second level on a first come, first served basis.
Accessibility
It is very well equipped for extra needs. Each gallery is spacious with plenty of space to move about. There are headphones and devices for audio and BSL. Large print guides are also available.
Opening Hours
The café and shop are open every day from 10am to 6pm. The galleries and reading room are closed on a Monday with the library closed on a Sunday.
Getting to the Wellcome Collection
Located on the Euston Road, it is a 5 minute walk from Euston train and tube station and a two minute walk from Euston Square tube station. There isn’t a car park, but there are places to park your car nearby. I would recommend arriving by public transport though.
Read more: How to use public transport to get around London
Top Tips for visiting The Wellcome Collection
- You could combine your visit with a walk around Regent’s Park. It’s about 10 minutes to walk along Euston Road from the museum. Equally you could visit the British Library which is less than 10 minutes along from Euston station.
- Allow 1 to 2 hours to explore the museum, especially if you want to linger in the Reading Room or visit the café.
- There are no charging stations in the Reading Room so make sure your devices are fully charged before using them or bring a power bank. There are however plug sockets at the tables in the library.
- I would recommend bringing a jumper if you intend to stay in the Reading Room or the library as they are temperature controlled to preserve the books so will feel a little chilly.
