Museum Display Galleries

Our two subterranean spaces offer an intimate encounter with a cross-section of our extensive historic collection of artefacts relating to optometry, the eye and visual health.

The Sutcliffe Room: antique spectacles and other vision aids, including sunglasses, monocles, spyglasses, opera glasses and cameras 
Now open for pre-booked tours. If you contact us, asking to visit ‘the museum’, this is what you will see.  
Availability: Monday-Friday 10am-5pm (last appointment)
Duration: 45 minutes
Admission: Free
Booking: Contact us below to arrange a tour

The Giles Room: sight-testing equipment, ophthalmic lenses, ocular anatomy and hygiene, prosthetics and contact lenses 
Now open, on the same basis as above (the one booking covers both rooms), but with displays still in preparation.

Meeting Room Tours

The above-ground spaces in the College may be visited as part of our extended pre-booked tours (which also include the Museum Display Galleries). You will see the College’s fine collection of paintings, prints and sculpture, as well as a few of the historic objects and maybe some of the rare books. Please note that the College is a working building so the availability of Meeting Room Tours is subject to other demands on the use of the rooms. Not all tours may be able to include every room. We recommend you have more than one date and time in mind when contacting us to arrange your appointment. 
Availability: Monday-Friday 10am-3pm (last appointment)
Duration: One and a half to two hours
Suitable for: individuals or groups of up to 25 people
Admission: £10 per person (payable on the day)
Booking: Contact us below to arrange a tour

Researchers

Researchers can make an appointment to view specific items from the collection. 
Availability: Monday-Friday 10am-4pm (last appointment)
Booking: Contact us below to arrange an appointment

Closures

We will be closed on the following dates in 2024: 

• 19 November 2024
• 25 November 2024
• Christmas/New Year closure: 23 December 2024-3 January 2025 inclusive. The last open date of 2024 is Friday 20 December. The first open date of 2025 will be Monday 6 January, however any visits for that date will need to be booked by Friday 20 December 2024, at the latest. Any enquiries sent to us during the Festive period will be answered from Monday 6 January.

Special events

Annual General Meeting and Auction of the Ophthalmic Antiques International Collectors' Club
Date: a Sunday in May 2025 (tbc)
Time: 11am-5pm
Admission: OAICC Members and named guests only
Booking: Details will accompany the April issue of the journal Ophthalmic Antiques

Open House Festival/Heritage Open Days event
Date: a Sunday in September 2025 (tbc)
Time: 12pm-5pm
Admission: Free
Booking: No need to pre-book

Keep checking this page for the latest information.

We look forward to seeing you!