Explore the galleries

The Open Gate - museum redevelopment project

We will rebuild the galleries to a new display of our treasures as a major part of the exciting redevelopment project. Find out more about our project.

The Order of St John Gallery

Discover the Order’s treasures in a gallery on the military, medical and religious history of the Hospitallers.

Displays include: a bronze cannon given to the Order by Henry VIII; rare armour worn by the knights when defending Rhodes and Malta; a decorative collection of 16th - 18th century majolica from the pharmacy in Malta; the beautifully illuminated charter, depicting Philip II and Mary Tudor, restoring the Order in 1557: the 15th century Flemish altarpiece from the Priory Church. A further gallery has displays on the Priory site showing surviving fragments of the medieval stone work, wood carving, tiles and stained glass.

Gateway to the Lost Palace

St John's Gate and the Priory of Clerkenwell: this exhibition looks at the history of St John's Gate, built as the entrance to the Hospitallers' English headquarters and its changing uses since the Reformation.

Time to Care: the story of St John Ambulance

St John Ambulance may be a household name but few people realise its history spans over 125 years and that today this charity operates in over 40 countries world-wide. Founded by the British Order of St John and inspired by the medical traditions of the Hospitallers, its surprising story is told in this new gallery.

The displays chart St John Ambulance’s history from its early pioneering days in the industrial revolution through two world wars, to the vital role it continues to play within health care after the founding of the NHS. “Time to Care” is an interactive exhibition where visitors can explore touchscreen multimedia exhibits, see rare early film footage and listen to the stories of ordinary members and their extraordinary experiences.

The perfect introduction to visitors with little knowledge of St John, the exhibition equally appeals to long standing members. Free Badger & Cadet activity sheets are available from the reception desk for young visitors.

Find out how the multimedia exhibits were created with the award winning company desktop display.

The galleries are open free of charge Monday-Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm and Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm. For more details, please see 'Plan your visit'.