International Museum of Surgical Science – 1524 N Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL, Gold Coast, Near North Side. (312) 642-6502, http://imss.org
The International Museum of Surgical Science, a division of the International College of Surgeons (ICS), maintains over 10,000 square feet of public galleries committed to the history of surgery, and an exquisite permanent collection of art and artifacts from the history of Medicine. Tuesdays are FREE for Illinois residents with a form of residency ID. Went a windy cooler rainy day and was a good idea since it was near us.
The death mask of Napoleon was also no display….cool, but creepy.
Another of the best things was the elevator – an original that has a gate that has to be closed before it will run.
Q-tips say: Yes, Mrs. Q liked it more than the other half. Mrs. Q read about an exhibit regarding an exhibit that was the most intense and upsetting because it’s all on the holocaust and euthanasia. They had videos interviewing people who worked in hospitals that euthanized kids. There were also plenty of displays about euthanasia and the holocaust. However, it was a “special exhibit” and was now gone.
The museum is filled with tons of information. At times it can get overwhelming and even a bit dry because you’re reading so many bits of information. Nonetheless, I learned a lot. I’m grateful that I didn’t grow up before 1900’s or earlier because medicine and surgery back then seemed brutal.
This museum is in a home and thru out they have photos of when it was lived in and kept some of the decor. Is it worth seeing? Yes, but if you are an Ill resident, go on Tues. because it is free with an ILL ID. Good for little ones? No, a lot of reading and no interactive exhibits.
The Library
