Plan Your Visit to Bath Medical Museum
Visit us at the historic Hetling Pump Room, where fascinating medical history comes to life. We are located at 1 Hetling Court, Bath, BA1 1SJ. Please note that while wheelchair access is available, there is no access to water or WC—the nearest facilities can be found at Marks & Spencer nearby. We look forward to welcoming you!
Bath Medical Museum has entered a month of celebrations.
It began on Saturday, March 8th, with International Women’s Day, when the museum invited visitors to write an appreciative description of the positive contributions of women to the lives of local people. In addition to celebrating contemporary women, the museum highlighted historical figures such as Mrs. Morris, who, in partnership with her husband, set up the first apothecary at The Min; Lady Betty Hastings, who contributed to the construction of The Min itself; and Dr. Clara Cross.
Last Saturday also marked the opening of National Science Week, and BMM contributed with “What’s All the Noise About?”—a series of fun, hands-on activities provided by Abbey Bradford, a Bath Spa University student on secondment to the museum.
In addition, to celebrate the life and work of 16th-century Bath doctor William Turner, Dr. Roger Rolls (Chair of Trustees) has created an exhibition showcasing Turner’s remarkably varied life. As well as being a practicing local physician, Turner was one of Britain’s first naturalists. While serving as Dean of Wells Cathedral, he narrowly escaped being burned at the stake for ‘heresy’ by Queen Mary I.
Meanwhile, Evan Day, another student from Bath Spa University, is preparing for World Heritage Day on Saturday, April 12th, from 11 AM to 4 PM, by creating some amazing—and possibly damp—hands-on activities for families to prove that “Water is Best.” These activities will take place in the very room where Jane Austen accompanied her brother to ‘take the waters’ in hopes of curing his gout. The Hetling Pump Room is also home to the historic ‘Needle Douce,’ which was used for over 100 years to treat rheumatism. Evan will be offering guided tours to visitors eager to learn more!
The museum, located at 1 Hetling Court, is just opposite the Hot Spring and is open every Saturday from 12 PM to 4 PM. Entrance is free.
For more information, visit bathmedicalmuseum.org.
WHO WE ARE
“At Bath Medical Museum, we celebrate the history of medicine in Bath through its medical collection, curatorial activities, and exhibitions. In collaboration with local universities and museums specialising in medicine, health science, and local history, we highlight the influence of the thermal springs on disease treatment, patient care, and wellbeing, while exploring contemporary practices and future developments.”
OUR VALUES
Integrity:
We uphold honesty, transparency, and ethical principles in all operations and interactions.
Inspire:
We inspire curiosity and learning through engaging, well-researched exhibitions, programmes, and digital content that bring Bath’s unique medical history to life.
Innovative:
We use creative approaches in exhibition design, digital content, and interactive programmes to keep our storytelling fresh, relevant, and impactful.
Collaborative:
We work in partnership with other institutions, healthcare organisations, universities & schools to deepen our impact and extend our reach in promoting wellbeing and medical history.