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 
Usually open for pre-booked tours. (Closed during January 2025 due to unforeseen circumstances). 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 
Usually open, on the same basis as above (the one booking covers both rooms), but with new 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. We regret no tours can be offered during January 2025 due to unforeseen circumstances

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. We regret no research appointments can be offered during January 2025 due to unforeseen circumstances

Closures

We will be closed on the following dates: 

• the entire month of January 2025
• 12-13 March 2025
• 19-21 March 2025
• 21 April 2025 (Easter Monday)
• 5-16 May 2025
• 26 May 2025 (Spring Bank Holiday)

Special events

Annual General Meeting and Auction of the Ophthalmic Antiques International Collectors' Club
Date: Sunday 18 May 2025
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: Sunday 14 September 2025
Time: 12pm-5pm
Admission: Free
Booking: No need to pre-book. Details will appear here and on the OHF and HODs websites in the summer of 2025

Keep checking this page for the latest information.

We look forward to seeing you!