A Lakeside Mansion in Chicago Transformed into a Hidden Gem: The International Museum of Surgical Science
Nestled in Chicago's prestigious Gold Coast neighborhood, a short stroll from the shores of Lake Michigan, stands an opulent mansion with an intriguing past. Originally built as a wedding gift for the heiress of a match company fortune, this historic home has traded its domestic purpose for a more fascinating role. Now, it houses the International Museum of Surgical Science, a 10,000-square-foot treasure trove of antique medical equipment, fine art, and tributes to scientific pioneers. For families seeking an underrated indoor adventure in Chicago, this museum is an unexpected delight.
A Unique and Memorable Experience
“This place was such a pleasant surprise!” raved Seymour Homes. Many lifelong Chicagoans, let alone tourists, are unaware of this hidden gem. While the city’s Museum of Science and Industry often steals the spotlight, the International Museum of Surgical Science offers a more intimate, unique exploration of history and innovation.
Whether you’re a medical professional, a history aficionado, or just someone curious about science, the museum's blend of historic artifacts and stunning architecture makes it worth the visit. Even those less interested in medical history may find the mansion itself captivating, with its ornate design rivaling the exhibits inside.
Tickets are reasonably priced:
- Adults: $30
- Seniors, students, teachers, and military personnel: $18
- Children over 4: $15
- Kids under 4: Free
Discover Medicine’s Global History
The museum’s origins trace back to 1935 when Dr. Max Thorek founded the International College of Surgeons. His mission was to unite doctors across cultures and backgrounds, promoting collaboration and a deeper understanding of surgical medicine. Thorek’s vision expanded into this museum, showcasing artifacts from around the globe.
Artifacts and Exhibits: A Journey Through Medical History
The International Museum of Surgical Science offers an impressive collection of over 7,000 medical artifacts and more than 600 pieces of art, including paintings, prints, and sculptures. These treasures provide a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of medicine, from ancient techniques to groundbreaking modern innovations.
Highlights of the Collection
- Austrian amputation saw with a reversible blade (circa 1500)
- Original X-rays taken by radiology pioneer Emil Grubbé (circa 1910)
- The Lindbergh Perfusion Pump, co-invented by aviator Charles Lindbergh and surgeon Alexis Carrel (1935)
- Trephined skulls from ancient Peru, evidence of early cranial surgery
- Portrait of Dr. Edward Jenner, painted by John Russell (1790)
- Plaster cast of Napoleon's death mask (1821)
- Hall of Immortals statues, featuring 12 great figures in medicine and scientific discovery, attributed to sculptors Louis Linck and Édouard Chassaing
- Hall of Murals, with 12 oil-painted panels illustrating the history of surgery, commissioned in 1953 by Gregorio Calvi di Bergolo
- A reconstructed 19th-century medical apothecary
- An iron lung, a life-saving device used during the 1930s polio epidemic
Explore 20 Unique Exhibits Across Four Floors
The museum spans four floors, featuring 20 permanent exhibits that cover various aspects of medical history, science, and innovation:
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Historical Apothecary
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Pharmacy
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Dentistry
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Hall of Murals
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Optical History
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Polio
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Hall of Immortals
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Medical Library
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Taiwan Room
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Classroom and Nursing
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Obstetrics and Urology
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Japan Room
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Medical Illustrations
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Medical Imaging
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Understanding and Enduring Pain (with an online tour extension)
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Spanish Mural Gallery
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Surgical Technology
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Three Rotating Contemporary Art Galleries
Temporary and Online Exhibits
From February 19, 2016, to March 5, 2017, the museum hosted Provident Hospital: A Living Legacy, a groundbreaking exhibit that chronicled the story of Provident Hospital, a pioneering institution that broke barriers for Black professionals in medicine. While the physical exhibit has ended, it remains accessible through an online tour extension.
The Artist-in-Residence Program
The museum also supports contemporary art through the IMSS Artist-in-Residence Program, hosting two residency sessions each year. Selected artists work with the museum for six months, creating art inspired by the intersection of medicine, history, and humanity.
A Place Where Medicine Meets Art
The museum is also a visual feast, with marble statues and art paying homage to icons of the medical field. Each piece complements the exhibits, celebrating the intersection of science, innovation, and artistry. The mansion’s design—a masterpiece in its own right—further elevates the visitor experience.
Located just 20 minutes from downtown Chicago, the International Museum of Surgical Science offers a refreshing alternative to the city’s more famous attractions. Whether you’re drawn to history, science, or simply a stunning architectural setting, this museum promises an unforgettable day out for all ages.
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