Collections

Our collections are at the heart of what we do. Find out what we have by searching online or visiting our library. If you’re interested in exploring and researching our collections, we’re here to support you.

About our collections

What’s in the collections

Our collections are an incredible resource for all kinds of research, whether you are an artist or writer looking for inspiration, an academic researcher, or just curious about something in our exhibitions.

Accessing our collections

Our collections are available at Wellcome Collection and are on display at the London Science Museum’s medical galleries. You’ll also find thousands of digitised items from our collections online.

The history and context of our collections

Our collections were first assembled In the early 20th century, following a racist, sexist and ableist system of cultural hierarchies. We have begun to change the ways we manage and use our collections.

Using the library

The library

Our library’s collections cover thousands of years of health and medicine across different cultures.

Library membership

You can get free library membership in order to use our our collections and subscription resources.

Library facilities

Our library facilities, including computers, and printing and copying services. You can also book a study room for group or assistive study.

Research support

Databases

Members of the library have online access to a wide range of databases and collections of e-books and e-journals.

Archives at Wellcome Collection

A short introduction to our archive collections, including guidance on how to access them and some advice on searching archives.

Collections activities

Events for researchers

We offer a range of activities aimed at researchers who are interested in using our collections.

Library Insights

Hear from researchers and Wellcome Collection staff about the stories that they unearthed in our collections, and take a closer look at some of the items they discovered.

Tools and resources

Inter-library loans

We can loan books and supply copies of articles to other libraries, both in the UK and abroad, through the inter-library loans system.

Collections offers and donations

Get in touch if you’ve got something to offer us for the collections