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.
- Search our Collection
Since its inception in 1967, the Medical History Museum has developed a diverse and varied collection of over 9,000 items
- Browse our Exhibhitions
View our online and past exhibhitions
- 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.
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)
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.
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Melbourne Medical School
The collection encompasses some of the first photographs taken at Melbourne University including its founding professors, buildings and students. The earliest photograph of the Medical School was taken in 1864.
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Pharmaceutical History
The practices of early pharmacists are revealed through the glass jars, ceramic pots, carboys measures, mortar and pestles and the1847 Savory and Moore Pharmacy gifted by the Wellcome Institute.
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Medicine in Society
The history of the practice of medicine encompassing quackery, public health and social history; there are documents, diplomas, illuminated addresses, other records and objects.
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.
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.
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. Previously she was Director of Bundoora Homestead Art Centre, the public art gallery of the City of Darebin, from 2002 to 2011. Other positions include Director of the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and Director, Public Programs, National Gallery of Victoria. During a career in museum and art galleries she has been committed to increasing community involvement in museums and creating innovative programs
Medical History Museum Advisory Committee
| CHAIR Professor Mark Cook Chair of Medicine and Head of Neurology, St Vincent's Hospital | |
|---|---|
| COMMITTEE MEMBERS | |
|
Dr Mark Garwood Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Women's Hospital | Associate Professor Richard O'Brien |
Professor John Prins | Liza Taylor |
Ann Westmore | Paul Noonan |
Dr Jacqueline Healy | |
- 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.
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.
-
Search our Collections
Since its inception in 1967, the Medical History Museum has developed a diverse and varied collection of over 9,000 items
-
Browse our Exhibhitions
View our upcoming and past exhibitions.
-
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.
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)