Museum of Hygiene, Medical science museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia
The Museum of Hygiene is located in the Shuvalov Palace and displays an extensive collection of anatomical models, including life-sized glass bodies that reveal internal organs. The exhibits showcase medical preparations and teaching materials that illustrate human anatomy and health sciences.
The museum was founded in 1919 as part of a Soviet public health initiative, building on ideas discussed at the International Hygiene Congress of 1877. Its establishment reflected Soviet commitment to spreading medical knowledge among the general population during the early Soviet period.
The museum fulfills an educational mission by presenting detailed information about human anatomy, disease prevention, and public health through various exhibits and presentations.
The museum is located at 25 Italyanskaya Street near Gostiny Dvor metro station and is open to visitors from Tuesday through Saturday. Plan to spend a few hours exploring the many glass models and medical displays, as there is much detail to observe throughout the building.
Among the lesser-known exhibits are items connected to early Soviet medical teaching experiments, including preserved animal specimens from scientific laboratories. These rare pieces reveal how researchers and educators of that era tried to convey complex biological concepts to students and the public.
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