Museum of the History of Medicine, Medical museum in 6th arrondissement, France
The Museum of the History of Medicine is housed within the Université Paris Descartes and displays surgical instruments, diagnostic tools, and anatomical models from multiple centuries. The collections show how medical practice evolved from simple devices to more sophisticated equipment.
Medical collections were gathered after the French Revolution and formally organized in 1921. The museum later opened its doors to the public in the neoclassical building of the medical school.
The collection reflects what people understood about their bodies and how they tried to heal themselves across different periods. These objects reveal how trust in medicine and science grew stronger over time.
The best time to visit is in the early afternoon when light flows through the tall windows and illuminates the displays. The location is easy to reach by public transport and sits within walking distance of other sites in the area.
The collection includes personal instruments used during an autopsy of a famous French leader, as well as an intricate wooden anatomical model from 1799 featuring hundreds of movable parts for teaching medical students. These rare pieces reveal how doctors once explained and demonstrated anatomy and medical procedures.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
