Mütter Museum, Philadelphia

The Mütter Museum, located in the heart of Philadelphia, is an extraordinary institution dedicated to medical history. This unique museum, part of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, is renowned for its vast collection of anatomical specimens, models, and medical instruments. The museum's exhibits focus on the human body and the history of diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Established in 1858, the Mütter Museum was designed to educate future doctors about anatomy and human medical anomalies. Today, it serves as a fascinating public attraction, as well as a valuable resource for those interested in medical science. The museum's collection includes over 25,000 objects, such as the famed Hyrtl Skull Collection, a wall of 139 human skulls that provides insight into the diversity of human anatomy and the stories of the individuals they belonged to.

Among its other notable exhibits are the Soap Lady, whose corpse turned into a soap-like substance called adipocere, and the skeleton of a man with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, a rare condition where soft tissue gradually turns into bone. The museum also houses the conjoined liver of the famous Siamese twins Chang and Eng Bunker, and an extensive collection of preserved organs that display various pathologies.

The museum's atmosphere is both educational and slightly eerie, making it a must-visit for those with a strong curiosity about the human body and its conditions. It's not just about the oddities, though; the museum also aims to instill a sense of wonder about the medical advances that have shaped modern healthcare.