Fast facts

Fast facts

How much has the transformation cost? A total of £1.4 million which includes the new Museum as well as a new web site, an outreach service, the digitising of the Museum’s Collection.

Why was the transformation necessary? The Museum opened in 1989 so after 20 years it was showing its age. The transformation was seen as a fitting tribute to Florence Nightingale in the centenary of her death. The new Museum is a more dramatic experience, featuring a host of interactive exhibits which will appeal to all ages. It presents a more rounded picture of Florence Nightingale and demonstrates how the battles she fought to improve nursing and healthcare are just as relevant today, including hospital hygiene, the training of nurses and the care of soldiers.

Who designed the new Museum? Kossman de Jong, based in Amsterdam, who are known in Holland for the imaginative approach and have won numerous museum awards. This is their first project in the UK.

Who funded the transformation? A variety of contributors have made the transformation possible, including The Wellcome Trust, Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity, Garfield Weston Foundation, Fidelity UK, Foyle Foundation, The Wolfson Foundation, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, London Bridge Hospital and SLaM.

Who is the Patron of the Museum? HRH Princess Alexandra who herself trained as a nurse.

What are the origins of the Museum? The Museum has its origins in a collection of “Nightingalia” that was the pride of various matrons at St Thomas’ Hospital. In the 1970s, special arrangements were made for the preservation of these objects as well as a wider display of Nightingale artefacts, rare books and archive. This led to the creation of the Florence Nightingale Museum which opened in 1989 and is located on the site of the original Nightingale Training School.

Is the Museum a charity? Yes, it is an independent, registered charity. As it receives no core funding, the Museum is reliant on ticket and retail sales.

How is the Museum governed? A board of trustees oversees the Museum. The trustees have been selected for the experience and skills in the NHS, charity and museum management, nursing, the history of nursing, the law, property management and investment, information systems and the local communities.

How many people work at the Museum? The Museum Director oversees four full-time and six part-time staff as well as committed team of volunteers