Mütter Museum, Philadelphia

Mütter Museum - darkometer rating : 5 - One of the world's most significant collections of specimens, wax models, skeletons, etc. on public display in the USA and indeed the world. It's a Mecca for the icky-medical tourist ! And a must-see when in Philadelphia ! > More background info > What there is to see > Location > Access and costs > Time required > Combinations with other dark destinations > Combinations with non-dark destinations > Photos More background info: The College of Physicians of Philadelphia was founded in 1787 and is one of the oldest medical organizations in the USA . In 1858, one Thomas Dent Mütter donated his collection of specimens to the College – the beginning of the eponymous Mütter Museum. Since then, its collection has grown to some 20,000 objects – though only about a tenth of them are on public display. The current building housing the museum dates back to 1909, and in 1986 it underwent extensive renovation (including the installation of air-conditioning in the museum). The College's complex also houses other branches, in particular the acclaimed Historical Library, one of the best collections in the history of medicine. It's not all about history, though. The College also engages in quite contemporary public health initiatives and education programmes. For the dark tourist, however, it is the Mütter Museum that forms the special attraction of this place. Apart from a number of unique items in the collection (see below), it is also the breadth of coverage that is impressive. In that sense it may be the best exhibition of its kind. On the other hand, certain subtypes of exhibits can be found in better execution and larger numbers elsewhere (especially anatomical wax models – see the Josephinum in Vienna ).