Chicago - International Museum of Surgical Sciences

The International Museum of Surgical Sciences has one of the world's largest collections of material on the history of medicine and surgery, extending from the simple implements of primitive peoples to the most modern technical apparatus.

It is located in an historic status mansion on the city's north side. Some of the artifacts housed within the museum's four floors of exhibits include the knives or "tumis" used by Inca surgeons to perform brain surgery, a working iron lung and photos, tools, and texts used by Civil War doctors to amputate the mutilated limbs of more than 30,000 soldiers.

Must-see attractions nearby:

Willis Tower Skydeck (formerly Sears Tower)

Field Museum of Natural History

Art Institute of Chicago

James R.Thompson Center (formerly State of Illinois Center)

John G Shedd Aquarium

John Hancock Center

Lincoln Park

The Museum's collections and exhibits portray the mysteries and milestones that have shaped modern surgical science.

There is a library with several medical books from around the world, a gallery with rotating contemporary art exhibits and a medical "Hall of Immortals," with statues of luminaries in the field.

Address: International Museum of Surgical Science, 1524 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60610, United States
Phone: 1 (312) 642-6502, Fax: 1 (312) 642-9516

Hours:

May 1 to September 30: 10am-4pm; Closed: Mon

October 1 to April 30: 10am-4pm; Closed: Mon, Sun, Mon

Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), American Independance Day (July 4), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), New Year's Eve (December 31), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)

Tips: Free admission on Tuesdays.

Disability Access: Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.

Facilities: Gift shop