A free museum and library exploring health and human experience

  • Exhibition

In Plain Sight

‘In Plain Sight’ examines the many ways we see and are seen by others and explores what happens when we open ourselves up to seeing differently.

This week

In focus

Statement on the closure of our Medicine Man gallery

The closure of Medicine Man is the result of several years’ research and reflection, and is the next step in updating how we display items from the collections.

Books

We publish thought-provoking books exploring health and human experiences. Our latest titles cover everything from the social history of our phobias and manias, to how technology might alter our understanding of what it means to be human.

Shop

Euston’s best gift shop is now open: from cuddly microbes and chocolate body parts, to books, blood-bath shower gel and more.

Latest stories

  • In pictures

The Victorian perspective on spectacles

When spectacles began to proliferate in the 19th century, some commentators were alarmed. Gemma Almond reveals how the Victorians came to embrace eyewear.

  • Comic

Standing Up

The collateral damage of cancer treatment extends to all activities, including a night of live entertainment.

Part of Life After Cancer
  • Article

The indelible harm caused by conversion therapy

With first-hand evidence from two powerful testimonies, neurologist Jules Montague explores the destructive history of conversion therapy, a punitive treatment designed to ‘cure’ people of homosexuality.

  • Article

The evil eye and social anxiety

The ‘look’ of the evil eye is believed to bring bad luck, illness or even death. This ancient curse might be deliberate, inflicted with an envious glare, or it could be accidental, the result of undue attention or excessive praise.

All stories