Museum anatomicum, University museum in Marburg, Germany.
The Museum Anatomicum is a university museum in Marburg housing an extensive collection of anatomical models, medical instruments, and preserved specimens. The items span from the mid-1600s to the early 1900s and are displayed across distinct exhibition areas.
The museum was founded when anatomist Christian Heinrich Bünger transferred about 1600 specimens from the University of Helmstedt to Marburg during his leadership of the Anatomical Institute. This action established the collection as a teaching resource for the university's medical students.
The museum's five rooms follow the teaching order of a 19th-century anatomical institute: wet preparations in water, wax, alcohol and resin, then wax and plaster organ models, a cranium collection with death masks of executed criminals, comparative skeletons, embryological specimens, and obstetric instruments. The 'Marburger Lenchen', a full-body specimen of a heavily pregnant woman, stands in the room on the history of obstetrics.
The museum opens only on select dates throughout the year, so checking ahead about visiting hours is important before making a trip. Access involves stairs, and wheelchair access is not available.
The collection includes the 'Marburger Lenchen', a fully preserved anatomical specimen of a pregnant woman that has remained in excellent condition. Also noteworthy are the preserved skin samples with tattoos, which provide insight into body practices of earlier times.
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