The Museum of the Order of St John tells a unique and fascinating story — the story of the Order of St John — from its origins in eleventh century Jerusalem, through to its role today with St John Ambulance and the St John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem.
This story highlights how, from founding a hospital to care for sick pilgrims in eleventh century Jerusalem, St John has maintained its caring role to the present day, working on numerous humanitarian projects worldwide.
The Museum occupies two sites in Clerkenwell: St John’s Gate, which dates from 1504; and the Priory Church of St John with its surviving twelfth century Crypt.
What our visitors think
A very enjoyable tour. The guides were marvellous and knew what they were talking about. Look forward to another visit.
The Museum has a fabulous, well organised display; historic and clear, enjoyable to see.
Thank you to the kind man at reception who helped with Dad’s wheelchair! Great museum!
Visits to the Museum of the Order of St John are free of charge. For guided tours we suggest a donation of £5 (£4 concessions).
Why not come and join a friendly and growing team, and volunteer at the Museum?
The Museum of the Order of St John needs friendly, out-going volunteers to assist with front-of-house roles. You do not need previous museum experience, but you should enjoy meeting members of the public and relish the opportunity to help tell the story of the Order and St John Ambulance. Full training will be given. Volunteers need to be able to do one session per fortnight. To find out more please email abigail.turner@sja.org.uk
Latest News
Top value venue hire packages and early booking discounts for 2013!
For further details contact Juliet on 020 7324 4076 or juliet.barclay@sja.org.uk
What’s On at St John’s Gate May - July 2013
Download What's On at St John's Gate PDF (165KB)
Curator’s Choice: a new website feature
From models of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and medieval manuscripts to bedpans and bandage rollers, our collections are rich in both their history and variety. Each month one of our curators will share their favourite object from the Museum’s collections.
Download April's Curator Choice PDF (419KB)
Volunteer open days
Are you interested in volunteering, but would like a chance to find out more from the experts – the volunteers themselves? Come along to one of our open days to find out what is involved and have a look around one of London’s hidden treasures, and for a chance to chat to volunteers and staff.
- Date: Thursday 6th June and Saturday 8th June
- Time: 1pm – 4pm
- Venue: Priory Church
If you are interesting in volunteering, and would like more information before the open days, please contact Abigail Turner on 020 7324 4073 or abigail.turner@sja.org.uk
Learning Projects and Activities
A number of projects based on the portrait bust of Jean de la Valette have been developed. Each focuses on issues such as heroism, gift-giving and an awareness of different cultural traditions. Activities include storytelling and sculpture. For more information, please see the Learning section of this website.
If you are a school or community group based in local boroughs and would be interested in participating in one or more of the projects, please contact Karen Parker on 020 7324 4075 or Karen.Parker@sja.org.uk
Creative Writing in Museums
Use photographs and objects from our collections to inspire your own creative writing. This taster workshop is for complete beginners and those with some experience. All materials supplied. Maximum of 10 people.
To book call 020 7324 4075 or email Karen.Parker@sja.org.uk
- Date: Wednesday 22nd May
- Time: 11am - 1pm or 4.30pm - 6.30pm
- Venue: Museum Galleries
- Ages: 18yrs +
- Cost: FREE
May half-term activities
Dates: 29
th - 31
st May
From stories about knights and sieges to secret spy letters and sword making, there will be lots of fun and imaginative activities for all our younger visitors.
Please see the Learning / Families section of this website.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
The Military Orders: Culture and Conflict
6th International Conference, 5th - 8th September 2013
The London Centre for the Study of the Crusades, the Military Religious Orders and the Latin East and the Museum of the Order of St John are currently preparing their 2013 conference. Further information regarding the call for papers, booking forms and other relevant details are available here: http://militaryorderscultureandconflict.blogspot.co.uk
To be included on the Conference mailing list, or for any further enquiries, please email the Conference Administrator, Christina Grembowicz, lcscmilitaryorders@gmail.com
