In 2012 the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases (RNHRD), located in the former Royal Mineral Water Hospital, opened a small museum to showcase their collection. Following the sale of the Royal Mineral Water Hospital building and the acquisition of the RNHRD by the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust (RUH), a clear need was identified to secure the future of the range of artefacts and artwork in the RNHRD collection housed in the former Royal Mineral Water Hospital.

Bath Medical Museum (BMM) gained independent charitable status [Registered Charity: 1176084] in 2017 in order to continue managing and promoting the museum and to seek funding and location for a permanent medical museum in Bath. The museum has since grown and, in addition to hosting much of the RNHRD Collection on loan from the RUH, now includes the John Kirkup Collection as well as a number of loans and donations from private individuals.

Mission Statement:

“At Bath Medical Museum, we are Celebrating Bath’s healing legacy, the unique role of the thermal waters and sharing the city’s medical history to inspire health, education, and wellbeing for all.”

Vision:

Medical Museum engages and inspires diverse audiences by bringing the history of medicine in Bath to life through dynamic exhibitions, digital content, guided tours, and events. We tell the fascinating story of how the city’s spa shaped medical practice, from the pioneering Royal Mineral Water Hospital to the broader medical innovations across Bath. Wellbeing is at the heart of our mission, not just as a theme, but as a core part of our museum experience, making it an integral aspect of our vision of a healthier, more connected community.”

Core Values:

Integrity

Inclusivity 

Wellbeing 

Education

Community Engagement 

Sustainability

Collaboration

“A museum is a not-for-profit, permanent institution in the service of society that researches, collects, conserves, interprets and exhibits tangible and intangible heritage. Open to the public, accessible and inclusive, museums foster diversity and sustainability. They operate and communicate ethically, professionally and with the participation of communities, offering varied experiences for education, enjoyment, reflection and knowledge sharing.”
International Council of Museums (ICOM)
August 2022