Medical History Museum
Explore, inquire and enjoy the social history of medicine and its role in society through a diverse exhibition program. Visit the nineteenth century Savory and Moore Pharmacy complete with pharmaceutical jars and equipment. The Medical History Museum is a free museum for those inquisitive about medicine's contribution to scientific discovery and community well being.
- Online ExhibhitionDentistry: Innovation and education
This exhibition celebrates the 135th Anniversary of the establishment of the Odontological Society of Victoria in 1884, which brought about the development of the first dental school in the State.
- Online ExhibhitionVenom: Fear, Fascination and Discovery
The University of Melbourne’s Research.
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Collection
Since its inception in 1967, the Medical History Museum has developed a diverse and varied collection of over 9,000 items
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Exhibitions
View our upcoming and past exhibitions.
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Education and Research
The Medical History Museum responds to research inquiries and provides access to those parts of the collection that are in storage by prior arrangement during normal business hours.
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Special Events
Upcoming public events at Medical History Museum
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Savory & Moore Pharmacy
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Support and Donate
Notice Due to the emerging COVID-19 situation and policy statements from the State and Federal Government, University Museums will be closed until further notice. Thank you for your understanding as we endeavour to keep our community members safe during this uncertain time.
Location
University of Melbourne, Brownless Biomedical Library, Kernot Road, Parkville 3052. Victoria
The Museum is located on Level 2, Brownless Biomedical Library (Building 182) which is behind the Medical Building on Grattan Street. Enter Gate 10, Grattan Street and follow Kernot Rd. (Melways ref:X871 J6). Wheel chair access, toilets, café, parking.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday: 10.00am to 5.00pm
- Saturday: 1.00pm to 5.00pm (Weekend Hours vary during University holidays)
Vision
The purpose of the Medical History Museum is to encourage appreciation and understanding of the history of medicine and its role in society through direct engagement with the collections. The museum stimulates active learning about the history of medicine through research, teaching, and dialogue among communities of students, faculty, scholars, alumni, and the wider public. The museum organizes exhibitions and educational programs to offer enjoyment and encourage inquiry, while building and maintaining its collections in trust for future generations.
History
Over the years many people have assisted in the establishment and development of the Medical History Museum and its collection. It was Professor Kenneth Russell’s passion for medical history that resulted in the establishment of the Medical History Museum in 1967 with the support of a grant from the Wellcome Institute.
Curator
Dr Jacqueline Healy
Director, Museums, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Dr Jacqueline Healy has extensive experience in the arts and museum sectors. She is Director, Museums, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences encompassing the Medical History Museum , Henry Forman Atkinson Dental Museum and Harry Brookes Allen Anatomy and Pathology Museum at the University of Melbourne.
Committee
Text to be provided
Contact Us
The Medical History Museum offers FREE admission and welcomes visitors with disabilities. There is lift access to the second level although there are access limitations. To speak with a member of staff regarding a particular service or activity please contact the museum.
More information
Since its inception in 1967, the Medical History Museum has developed a diverse and varied collection of over 9,000 items encompassing documents, photographs, artifacts, ceremonial objects, medical and scientific equipment and associated research material. The collection has grown through gifts from medical graduates, families and institutions. The core of the collection began with material related to the history of the Melbourne Medical School but has expanded over the last 45 years through major gifts to encompass the history of medicine in Victoria, Australia and internationally.
Explore the collection
Browse and search our online database to find out about the Medical History Museum, Henry Forman Atkinson Museum and Harry Brookes Allen Museum of Anatomy and Pathology collections
Explore the Australian Medical Association Archive Index
Browse an index to notes and manuscripts submitted by doctors to the AMA office. The archive also comprises a large numbers of newspaper cuttings and article reprints.
Discover the Savory and Moore Pharmacy
The Medical History Museum houses the former 19th century English pharmacy’s fixtures and fittings
Research the collection
The Medical History Museum offers opportunities for students, staff and researchers to gain access to and learn more about the collection.
Support the collection
We are always interested in new items and information to enhance the collection, and welcome all kinds of support to continue collection development
Dentistry: Innovation and Education
Online
Dentistry: Innovation and education
This exhibition celebrates the 135th Anniversary of the establishment of the Odontological Society of Victoria in 1884, which brought about the development of the first dental school in the State.