The Soap Lady exhibit consists of a body spontaneously saponified into adipocere, a waxy substance, due to specific soil conditions in her grave.
The museum holds a collection of microscopic slides from Albert Einstein’s brain, prepared by pathologist Thomas Harvey.
The Hyrtl Skull Collection includes 139 human skulls collected by Joseph Hyrtl to demonstrate racial and anatomical variation.
The museum maintains a plaster cast and liver preserved from the famous conjoined twins Chang and Eng Bunker.
Many specimens are housed in original, ornate glass and mahogany display cases from the Victorian era.
The museum is part of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, one of the oldest independent professional medical organizations in the United States.
The Mütter Museum houses one of America's most significant collections of medical history, pathology, and anatomical specimens. Located within The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the museum preserves the 19th-century cabinet-style of display. The core of the collection originated from a donation by Dr. Thomas Dent Mütter in 1858. The museum features over 25,000 specimens, including human osteological remains, preserved organs, and antique medical instruments. It serves as a research institution dedicated to the study of the history of medicine. Exhibits explore advancements in surgical practices, diagnostic tools, and the evolution of public health. The collection includes notable artifacts such as the Soap Lady and the Hyrtl Skull Collection.
The museum entrance and the historic architectural details of the exterior façade.
Purchase tickets online in advance to guarantee entry, as the museum frequently reaches capacity.
Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the largest weekend crowds in the narrow galleries.
Check the website for rotating temporary exhibits that may supplement the permanent collection.
Do not attempt to touch the display cases or artifacts; avoid visiting if you are uncomfortable with graphic displays of human pathology.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Photography is strictly prohibited in most galleries to respect the human remains on display; maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor.
