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Writer's pictureChristine Childress

Off-The-Beaten-Path in Paris: Museum of the History of Medicine



Delve into centuries of medical history, from apothecary jars to prosthetics to bizarre anatomicals, at this fascinating hidden museum.


Why Visit: Discover artifacts spanning medical technology and knowledge from the 16th-20th centuries.


For Those Who: Have an interest in medical history and science, appreciate vintage scientific instruments and medical tools, and enjoy lesser-known niche museums.


Nestled within the historic Université Paris Descartes campus, this intriguing museum houses an array of artifacts documenting the evolution of Western medicine and pharmacy over centuries. Wander rooms filled with remarkable objects from the Renaissance to the modern day.


Examine curious amputation saws, bleed-letting devices, and prosthetics that show early surgical attempts. Study ancient pharmacist jars for compounds and cures. Peer into microscope devices used for early scientific study. Some quirky exhibits include a doctor’s house-call suitcase and a teaching anatomical model of a pregnant woman.


Through the conservation and exhibition of these artifacts, the museum traces advances in healthcare from basic apothecary origins to complex modern medicine made possible by developing technology and knowledge—a must-see for science history enthusiasts.


What You Need to Know: Located at 12 Rue de l’Ecole de Médecine in the Latin Quarter, the museum is open weekday afternoons except Tuesdays.


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