Thackray Museum

Step Into the History of Medicine at Thackray Museum

The Thackray Museum of Medicine, set in a former Victorian workhouse next to St James’s Hospital, brings the story of health, medicine, and innovation to life. From grim 19th-century streets to cutting-edge surgery, it explores how science, people, and compassion have shaped the way we live and survive.

On our visit, you’ll wander through recreated Victorian slums to see the harsh realities of life before modern healthcare. You’ll explore galleries on surgery, nursing, and disease, learning how breakthroughs like antibiotics and anaesthetics changed the world. Along the way, discover the stories of real doctors, nurses, patients, and inventors whose ideas transformed medicine.

The Timetable for the Trip

0:00 – Meet at The University of Law’s common room for a welcome and safety briefing by Activity Leaders.

0:05 – Depart The University of Law and travel by public bus to the Thackray Museum.

0:35 – Arrive at the Thackray Museum. Group gathers at the entrance for an introduction by Activity Leaders.

0:45 – Begin the self-led(+Trails, Quiz) visit

-explore interactive exhibits or the temporary exhibitions.(Follow your trail!)

2:00 – Regroup at the entrance, gather belongings, and prepare for departure.

2:10 – Leave the Thackray Museum and return by bus.

2:45 – Arrive back at The University of Law.

Disease Street

Step into a recreated 19th-century slum in Leeds, where overcrowded homes, poor sanitation, and disease made everyday life a struggle. This immersive gallery shows why public health reforms were so vital.

Surgery & Innovation

From early operations without anaesthetics to today’s high-tech procedures, this gallery shows the dramatic progress of surgery. See surgical instruments, operating tables, and stories of pioneering surgeons.

Nursing & Hospitals

Learn how nurses, midwives, and hospital workers cared for patients through history. This gallery highlights both everyday care and the big breakthroughs that improved survival rates.

Public Health & Epidemics

Discover how society responded to deadly outbreaks like cholera and smallpox. Exhibits show the role of vaccination, clean water, and sanitation in saving lives.

Modern Medicine

Look at the breakthroughs that transformed healthcare in the 20th and 21st centuries, including antibiotics, imaging technology, and the fight against new diseases.

Interactive Galleries

Students can test their medical knowledge, explore real-life case studies, and see how medicine continues to change lives today.

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