Wellcome Collection opens
19 February 2008
Wellcome Collection, the new £30 million visitor attraction from the Wellcome Trust, was opened at an evening gala reception on 20 July 2007 by James Watson and Stephen Fry - who enthused: "One of the most remarkable collections of medical and physiological items ever assembled is united with three intelligent, inspiring and intriguing exhibitions to make as compelling a visit as London has to offer."
Wellcome Collection is the transformation of the Wellcome Building, the former headquarters of the Wellcome Trust, at 183 Euston Road, London. It provides stimulating insight into the human condition, combining cultural, scientific and artistic frames of reference.
"A new museum that is unashamedly 'braining up'," applauded Nigel Richardson in the Daily Telegraph. "You will spill back on to the Euston Road feeling both exhilarated and ever so slightly more intelligent."
"A treasure," agreed the Londonist website: "London's best new galleries in years." Writing in the Independent, Janet Street-Porter called it: "One of the most thought-provoking exhibitions I've been to in years." Even the Sun, not usually known for its coverage of either art or science, devoted a double-page spread to its delights.
The nine-storey building houses three galleries. The largest of these, on the ground floor, hosts temporary themed exhibitions, opening with 'The Heart'.
The other two galleries house two permanent exhibitions. 'Medicine Man', previously shown at the British Museum, contains more than 500 artefacts from Sir Henry Wellcome's original collection, including a lock of George III's hair and Napoleon's toothbrush. And 'Medicine Now' explores contemporary medical topics such as obesity and genomes through the eyes of scientists, artists and popular culture.
The exhibitions are supplemented by a lively programme of public events, where audiences can explore and debate current issues and ancient mysteries of human wellbeing.
All the visitor attractions have been positively received. Even the Peyton and Byrne café gained rave reviews: "This cheerful spot is welcome indeed," concluded Jenni Muir in Time Out.