The building was modeled after the Petit Trianon at the Palace of Versailles.
The collection includes a permanent exhibit dedicated to the history of anesthesia.
It houses a rare collection of historical artifacts from the field of phrenology.
The museum contains a significant collection of oil paintings portraying historical physicians and surgeons.
Some exhibits document the evolution of the iron lung and polio treatment technologies.
The museum library houses a collection of rare medical texts dating back to the 16th century.
The International Museum of Surgical Science is located in a historic 1917 mansion on Chicago's Lake Shore Drive, originally designed by Howard Van Doren Shaw as a private residence. It houses over 7,000 medical artifacts spanning four millennia of surgical history. The collection features antique trephination tools, early X-ray equipment, and a significant collection of fine art depicting medical themes. Visitors move through four floors of galleries that trace the evolution of surgery from ancient practices to contemporary robotic technology. The museum is operated by the International College of Surgeons. It serves as an archive for the history of medical science and surgery. The building retains original architectural details, including a grand marble staircase and an ornate library. It provides a unique intersection between medical history and private residential architecture. The museum remains open to the public as of July 2026.
The ornate marble staircase in the main foyer provides the most striking architectural shot.
Spend time in the Hall of Immortals, which features sculptures of significant figures in medical history.
Check the museum's website for rotating contemporary art exhibitions that often complement the permanent medical displays.
The building lacks a modern elevator to some upper levels, so check accessibility if mobility is a concern.
Do not expect a modern, high-tech interactive science center; the experience is scholarly, artifact-focused, and housed in an older mansion setting.
Closed on Mondays.
