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The College Museum opens its doors for September’s Open House Weekend
The College Museum opens its doors for September’s Open House Weekend
The College of Optometrists opens its doors to the public for the Open House Festival and Heritage Open Days on Sunday 13 September.
Visitors can drop-in for self-guided tours of the British Optical Association Museum, home to the world’s oldest collection of spectacles, vision aids, sight-testing equipment and eye-popping exhibits relating to the history of vision and eye health, which this year celebrates its 125th anniversary.
Film fans can view iconic eyewear from blockbuster movies, including Harry Potter’s spectacles and the sunglasses from The Matrix, and history buffs can explore the extensive collection of vintage vision aids and historic spectacles dating back to the 1500s, as well as spectacles worn by historical figures from Dr Johnson to Gandhi to Marilyn Monroe.
The College of Optometrists occupies two Grade II listed Georgian buildings in Craven Street in the West End of London and visitors can tour the exhibits on display across the College’s museum, library and meeting rooms. The museum’s curator and a team of volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and share their knowledge.
The College will be open to walk-in visitors from 12pm to 5pm on Sunday 13 September 2026. Entrance is free of charge and there is no need to pre-book.
Dr Neil Handley, Curator at the British Optical Association Museum, “We like to say that the British Optical Museum is the only museum where the exhibits look back at you! Welcoming people into the museum during Open House and Heritage Open Days is an annual highlight and a fantastic opportunity to share our collections and knowledge about the history of eye care and optometry with visitors from across London and beyond.
