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  About > Banting

Banting House National Historic Site

London, Ontario, Canada
'The birthplace of insulin'



Banting House National Historic Site celebrates not only a great Canadian discovery, but the life and career of a truly great Canadian - Sir Frederick Grant Banting (1891-1941).


At Banting House National Historic Site you can step back into history to experience one of the great moments of medical science in the twentieth century - the discovery of insulin - a moment that signified new hope for diabetes sufferers the world over.

Sir Frederick Grant Banting
Dr. Banting, c. 1921
Banting House National Historic Site Collection

Sir Frederick Grant Banting Square
Sir Frederick G. Banting Square
Banting House National Historic Site Collection

Banting House National Historic Site occupies the house in which Dr. Banting lived and practised medicine from 1920-21. Several rooms in Banting House evoke that era with period furniture and accessories - the doctor's bedroom, his office and its adjoining apothecary. Another room recreates a temporary battlefield operating room similar to those in which Banting served during World War I.

As you walk through Banting House National Historic Site, displays demonstrate the history of insulin's development. You are introduced to the contributions made by Banting's colleagues - Drs. Best, Collip and Macleod. You become aware of Dr. Banting's involvement in other areas of medical research, and his active research role in military research during World War II.

Throughout Banting House National Historic Site, you will encounter evidence of the many sides of this singular Canadian - the Military Cross awarded in recognition of distinguished and meritorious service; the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarded in 1923; the knighthood conferred on him in 1934; the virile landscapes that express Banting's love of the Canadian north, and so strongly resemble the work of Canada's Group of Seven.

Nobel Prize
Official replica, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 1923
Banting House National Historic Site Collection

Experience for yourself a great moment in Canadian history. Visit the Banting House National Historic Site. Celebrate one of the most important medical achievements of this century and the life of a remarkable man: Sir Frederick G. Banting - doctor, war hero, scientist, artist, patriot - a Canadian for all times.