Heritage Collections of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons

The College of Surgeons' Museum was officially opened by the then president, Dr Russell Stitz, on 21 February 2007.The Museum is located on the lower ground floor, south wing of the Melbourne building. It is open to the public 10am–4pm, Monday and Tuesday, and by appointment on Wednesdays. A gold coin donation is appreciated for a museum visit.
Group tours to view all of the College heritage collections throughout the Melbourne office can be organised by arrangement during opening hours with the curator. There is a cost for this type of College tour.

On display are:

• historical surgical instruments
• objects from the history of plastic and reconstructive Surgery
• items that tell the story of College traditions
• items related to public health campaigns
  
  Themes explored include:
• the history of surgery, from the time of the arrival of Europeans in the Asia-Pacific region including the development of surgical technology
• eminent surgeons of the past and their discoveries. This includes the founders of the College, women surgeons, naval surgeons, surgeons in conflict zones, the surgical specialties.
• the history of the College's formation.
  

The College of Surgeons' Artspace was established in 2008 and is located in the College building in Melbourne. The Artspace now extends to several heavily used multifunction public rooms. It is open to the public by appointment with the curator (see contact details below).

Exhibited in the art gallery are oil paintings, especially portraits, sculpture, silverware, furniture, glass and ceramics. Most of these have been donated by Fellows and friends of the College, or are commemorative gifts from affiliated colleges. 

Both the Heritage Collection and the Artspaces have been endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for participation in the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program. The Cultural Gifts Program is a philanthropic program managed by the Australian Government and its primary aim is to encourage a culture of giving by offering taxation incentives to those who donate to approved public institutions. See link below.

The Museum is open Monday to Tuesday 10am–4pm. Wednesday visits are available by appointment.

College Curator
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
250-290 Spring Street
East Melbourne VIC 3002 Australia

Telephone: +61 3 9276 7488
Email:[email protected]