34 Facts About Mutter Museum

What is the Mutter Museum?

The Mutter Museum, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a medical museum filled with fascinating and sometimes eerie exhibits. It showcases medical oddities, anatomical specimens, and antique medical equipment. Here are some intriguing facts about this unique museum.

1. The museum was founded in 1858 by Dr. Thomas Dent Mutter, a professor of surgery at Jefferson Medical College.

2. Dr. Mutter donated his personal collection of medical specimens and $30,000 to establish the museum.

3. The museum's mission is to help the public understand the mysteries and beauty of the human body and the history of diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Unique Exhibits at the Mutter Museum

The Mutter Museum houses some of the most unusual and rare medical artifacts in the world. Each exhibit tells a story about the history of medicine and human anatomy.

4. One of the most famous exhibits is the Soap Lady, a woman whose body turned into a soap-like substance called adipocere after her death.

5. The museum has a collection of 139 human skulls, each with a unique story about the person's life and death.

6. There is a plaster cast of the torso of famous Siamese twins Chang and Eng Bunker, along with their shared liver.

7. The museum displays a nine-foot-long human colon that belonged to a man who suffered from a severe case of Hirschsprung's disease.

8. A piece of Albert Einstein's brain is preserved and on display at the museum.

Medical Instruments and Tools

The Mutter Museum also features a vast collection of historical medical instruments and tools, showcasing the evolution of medical technology.

9. The museum has a collection of antique obstetrical instruments, including forceps and early versions of the speculum.

10. There are several early X-ray machines on display, highlighting the development of medical imaging technology.

11. The museum features a collection of Civil War-era surgical instruments, including bone saws and amputation kits.

12. A 19th-century iron lung, used to treat patients with polio, is part of the museum's collection.

Anatomical and Pathological Specimens

The Mutter Museum is renowned for its extensive collection of anatomical and pathological specimens, offering a glimpse into the complexities of the human body.

13. The museum has a collection of over 1,500 wet specimens, preserved in jars of formaldehyde.

14. There is a large collection of human skeletons, including several with rare bone diseases and deformities.

15. The museum displays a collection of teratological specimens, which are preserved fetuses with congenital abnormalities.

16. A section of President Grover Cleveland's jaw, removed during a secret surgery to treat his cancer, is on display.

Educational Programs and Research

The Mutter Museum is not just a place to view medical oddities; it also serves as an educational and research institution.

17. The museum offers a variety of educational programs, including lectures, workshops, and guided tours.

18. Researchers from around the world visit the museum to study its unique collection of medical specimens and artifacts.

19. The museum collaborates with medical schools and universities to provide hands-on learning experiences for students.

20. The Mutter Museum publishes a quarterly journal, The Mutter Museum Quarterly, featuring articles on medical history and research.

The Museum's Impact on Popular Culture

The Mutter Museum has made a significant impact on popular culture, inspiring books, movies, and television shows.

21. The museum was featured in an episode of the television show "Bones," where the characters visit the museum to solve a case.

22. Several horror movies have used the museum's exhibits as inspiration for their gruesome scenes.

23. The Mutter Museum has been the subject of numerous books, including "The Mutter Museum: Of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia" and "Dr. Mutter's Marvels."

24. The museum's unique exhibits have inspired artists and writers, leading to the creation of various works of art and literature.

Visiting the Mutter Museum

If you're planning a visit to the Mutter Museum, there are a few things you should know to make the most of your experience.

25. The museum is open seven days a week, but hours may vary, so it's best to check their website before planning your visit.

26. Photography is not allowed inside the museum to protect the integrity of the exhibits.

27. The museum offers guided tours, which provide a deeper understanding of the exhibits and their historical context.

28. There is a gift shop where you can purchase unique souvenirs, including books, jewelry, and anatomical models.

The Future of the Mutter Museum

The Mutter Museum continues to grow and evolve, with plans for new exhibits and programs in the future.

29. The museum is currently working on expanding its collection of medical specimens and artifacts.

30. There are plans to create new interactive exhibits that will allow visitors to engage with the museum's collection in new ways.

31. The museum is also developing virtual tours and online resources to make its collection accessible to a wider audience.

32. The Mutter Museum is committed to preserving its collection for future generations, with ongoing efforts to conserve and restore its exhibits.

33. The museum is actively involved in medical research, with plans to collaborate on new studies and projects.

34. The Mutter Museum remains dedicated to its mission of educating the public about the history of medicine and the human body, ensuring that its unique collection continues to inspire and inform.

Final Thoughts on Mutter Museum

The Mutter Museum offers a unique glimpse into medical history. With its vast collection of medical oddities, antique equipment, and anatomical specimens, it’s a treasure trove for anyone fascinated by the human body and its mysteries. From the Hyrtl Skull Collection to the Soap Lady, each exhibit tells a story that’s both educational and intriguing. Visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for medical advancements and the complexities of human anatomy. Whether you’re a history buff, a medical professional, or just curious, the Mutter Museum promises an unforgettable experience. It’s a place where science meets art, and curiosity meets knowledge. So, next time you’re in Philadelphia, make sure to stop by and explore this fascinating museum. You won’t regret it!