Venue information

Since its foundation in 1518, the RCP has had five headquarters in London. The current Grade 1 listed building in Regent’s Park was designed by architect Sir Denys Lasdun and opened in 1964. Considered a modernist masterpiece, it is one of London’s most important post-war buildings.


In 1992, Lasdun was awarded the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Trustee Medal in recognition of his work at the RCP, considered to be ‘the best architecture of its time anywhere in the world’. The first headquarters of the College of Physicians were in Knightrider Street, south of St Paul’s Catherdral. The next premises was at nearby Amen Corner in 1614. This building was completely destroyed in 1666 by the Great Fire of London and the RCP was rebuilt in Warwick Lane by 1674. In 1825, the RCP moved again to fashionable Pall Mall East.

 

In 1958, the RCP bought Someries House in Regent’s Park to be the site of a new headquarters. The house had been designed by architect, John Nash (1752–1835), and sustained bomb damage during World War II. The Crown Estate Commissioners had no objection to its demolition, as long as the new building harmonised with the adjoining Nash terraces and villas.

 

Sir Denys Lasdun won the competition to design the new headquarters in 1959. He was surprised at being asked to design for such a traditional body, given his modernist philosophy, and he made it clear that he would not create a classical style building. Ultimately, he responded to the challenge with a skilful integration of centuries-old traditions and his own vision.

 

As an award-winning and highly versatile venue for conferences, meetings, banquets, training and outdoor events, the building has an atmosphere of space and light, with stylish, modern architecture and a selection of both old and new styles to suit all tastes.

 

The building offers:

 

  • Central London location
    Overlooking Regent’s Park, with good access to road, rail and tube.

 

  • Magnificent conference and banqueting facilities
    Tiered auditoriums, exhibition space, event and dining facilities, including the stunning Council Chamber and the 'jewel in the crown', the Dorchester Library.

 

  • Award-winning Grade 1 listed modern building
    An atmosphere of space and light with a contrasting mix of old and new facilities.

 

  • Rare heritage collection
    With over 500 years of history and more than 50,000 antiquarian books.

 

  • High-quality food and service
    Eclectic cuisine, bespoke menus and first-class service.

 

  • Professional venue for international conferences
    Member of Unique Venues of London, International Association of Conference Centres, and London and Partners, to name a few.

 

  • Private 'Physic Garden' for events
    Filled with rare plants and flowers from all over the world, ideal for barbecues, receptions and al fresco dining.

 

  • Professional and friendly events team
    Dedicated event managers, catering experts and technicians. Full support is provided before, during and following the event.