Explore new exhibition ‘Patient voices: power, truth, understanding’ after hours and join a free tour with senior curator Liz Douglas.

Book free now

The exhibition, explores the lived experiences of healthcare shared through diaries, letters, images, oral histories, objects, artworks and more. 

The exhibition and rest of the museum will be open late until 8pm to view with free hot drinks available in our Regent’s Perk café.

The evening will include free expert tours of ‘Patient voices’ with senior curator Liz Douglas at 6pm and 7pm.

The museum will also be open to explore including:

• Treasures Room containing medical, surgical and silverware collections
• Fine art on display throughout the building
• Apothecary jar collection and anatomical tables
• The striking Censors Room and Dorchester Library

About the exhibition

‘Patient voices’ explores perspectives often overlooked in traditional medical histories;  

How did it feel to survive an operation without anaesthesia? What did it mean to face the fear of an epidemic, or the pain of social stigma from certain medical conditions? What was it like to live with a life-limiting condition? 

For centuries, histories of medicine have focused on famous doctors and scientific breakthroughs. However, many patient voices remain silent. Some were ignored, while others were never recorded. Yet patients’ voices enrich our understanding of illness and care. They reveal experiences of healing and support – alongside frustration, exclusion and resistance. Listening to these voices also helps us better understand times when healthcare did not meet patients' needs and caused harm.

In partnership with a patient advocacy steering group, the exhibition brings together voices past and present. The group has shaped the exhibition through new artwork, oral histories, and by acting as a critical sounding board throughout its development. 

The exhibition is open to visit at the RCP until July 2027.