1524 N. Lake Shore Drive
312- 642-6502
Web Site: http://www.imss.org
Located just steps from Chicago's best shopping on North
Michigan Avenue, also known as the Magnificent Mile, is the International Museum
of Surgical Science, a not-for-profit division of the International College
of Surgeons. Without a doubt one of the most unique museums in
Chicago and
one where the overally squeamish should think twice about
viewing certain exhibits, it depicts the contributions to the progress of
surgery and its
related sciences made around-the-world. The museum also aims to
enrich people's lives by enhancing their appreciation and understanding
of the
history, development, and advances made in surgery and related
disciplines, including health and medicine.
The ongoing exhibits include the Hall of Immortals, which
features 12 life-size statues created especially for the museum and includes
such greats in the history of medicine as Madame Curie and
Hippocrates; Apothecary, the museum's re-created turn-of-the-century American
drug store; Polio, complete with its working iron lung machine;
Gallstones and Bladder Stones, illustrating the variety, size and shapes of
these stones; and Anatomy in the Gallery, which houses art exhibits by area
artists on a
rotating basis.
Among the newer permanent exhibits are Nursing: The Oldest Art,
The Youngest Profession, which chronicles the history of nursing and
Radiology,
which illustrates the basic mechanics and history of x-rays.
The building holds interest for architecture buffs as well.
Constructed for Eleanor Robinson Countiss (the daughter of a Diamond Match
Factory executive) and her family in 1917 by noted Chicago architect
Howard Van Doren Shaw, it was designed to follow the historic lines of Le
Petit Trianon, situated on the grounds of Versailles in France.
The Countiss family remained the sole owners of the building
until 1950, when it was purchased by the International College of Surgeons.
The museum
opened in 1953, after renovation and time to establish the
collection, which today consists of over 7,000 pieces. Among the museum's
earliest artifacts are 4,000-year-old trepanned skulls and trepanned
tools recovered from ancient tombs in Peru (out of regard for the squeamish,
consult your dictionary for the definition of trepanning. Suffice to say it
was among the first types of surgery performed on humans.).
The museum library has more than 5,000 volumes, including first
editions, rare books and archival materials, in addition to reference
volumes, biographies, and books about the history of medicine. Visitors
may tour the library during regular museum hours, but researchers are
asked to make an appointment ot use the collection.
For information on school group tours or narrated tours, call
(312) 642-6502, ext. 3130.
The museum also boasts an expanded gift shop with one-of-a-kind
items that make great gifts.
Hours:
Winter Hours (September through April)
Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 4 pm
Closed Sunday and Monday
Summer Hours (May through August)
Tuesday - Sunday 10 am - 4 pm
Closed Monday
Admission/fees:
Adult: Suggested $5.00 donation
Student: Suggested $3.00 donation
Senior: Suggested $3.00 donation
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