Thorénsalen, museets största rum. Foto: Cecilia Bergström/Medicinhistoriska museet
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Museum of Medical History

4.5
·184 reviews·, Sweden

Explore the fascinating history of medicine within the atmospheric grounds of a former psychiatric hospital. Discover a vast collection of historical ...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Tuesdays & Thursdays

Free admission days

CrowdMedium
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Thorénsalen, museets största rum. Foto: Cecilia Bergström/Medicinhistoriska museet

Museum of Medical History

Best Time

Tuesdays & Thursdays

Free admission days

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the fascinating history of medicine within the atmospheric grounds of a former psychiatric hospital. Discover a vast collection of historical medical tools and gain unique insights. Reddit

4.5
(184 reviews)

"Underrated museum with a very kind staff and interesting exhibitions. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring a Translator App

Many exhibits are in Swedish; a translation app is helpful for non-Swedish speakers. :iphone:

Check for Special Events

Look out for unique events like paranormal investigations. :flashlight:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Extensive Healthcare Tools

Extensive Healthcare Tools

Main Exhibition Hall

Discover a wide range of historical medical instruments and equipment.

Reddit
Former Psychiatric Ward Atmosphere

Former Psychiatric Ward Atmosphere

Museum Grounds

Experience the unique ambiance of the former psychiatric hospital.

Reddit
Staff Knowledge

Staff Knowledge

Throughout the Museum

Engage with knowledgeable staff who share insights from their time working at the facility.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Understand the Setting

This museum is located on the grounds of a former psychiatric facility, offering a unique atmosphere. Some exhibits may be in Swedish, so consider a translation app for a deeper understanding of the history of medicine. Reddit

Plan Your Visit

Check for special events like paranormal investigations. Admission is free on Tuesdays and Thursdays, making it an accessible option for exploring medical history. Reddit

Best Times

When
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Why
Free admission days
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more focus
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Sista luciagiget är avklarat för terminen och vi har även haft vårt sista rep!! Men frukta inte, vi har massa på gång så juluppehållet känns liiite kortare😚🎄 #uppsala #uppsalauniversitet #unilife #fördig #jul2022 #lucia #studentlivet #sanktalucia #university #uppsalastudent
@varmlandskoren
354.2K likes • 3.2M views

Bring a Translator App

Many exhibits are in Swedish; a translation app is helpful for non-Swedish speakers. Reddit :iphone:

Check for Special Events

Look out for unique events like paranormal investigations. TikTok :flashlight:

Som första människa fick Göran, 58, pröva en ny cancerbehandling. På en månad var sjukdomen borta. Efter över nio månader är den fortfarande väck. Ett mirakel? Science fiction? Nej – ny Uppsalaforskning. Läs mer om genombrottet på unt.se eller i UNT-appen.
@unt.se
47.2K likes • 581.2K views
🧠 Discover one of the best museums in Berlin at the Medical History Museum! ✨ @sdyolo1 via TikTok 🌟 Don't miss out! Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more hidden gems & travel tips! Check the link in Bio #BerlinMuseum #MedicalHistory #ScienceMuseum #BerlinSightseeing #MuseumExhibition
berlin.ontravelx
6 likes • 515 views

Free Tuesdays & Thursdays

Visit on these days for free admission and explore medical history. Reddit :moneywithwings:

Explore the Grounds

The former psychiatric facility setting adds a unique atmosphere to your visit. Reddit :park:

Join us for an evening of potential paranormal activity all about snake oil, amputations, and iron lungs! This time Old Sacramento Paranormal Investigations goes OUTSIDE Old Sac to the Sierra Sacramento Valley Museum of Medical History (@sierrasacmedsociety)! The spirits may appear Thursdays, October 9, 16, and 23 at 7:00 pm. On this limited-time tour, our experienced guides will take you throug...
sachistorymuseum
117 likes • 13.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring a Translator App

Many exhibits are in Swedish; a translation app is helpful for non-Swedish speakers. Reddit :iphone:

Check for Special Events

Look out for unique events like paranormal investigations. TikTok :flashlight:

Free Tuesdays & Thursdays

Visit on these days for free admission and explore medical history. Reddit :moneywithwings:

Explore the Grounds

The former psychiatric facility setting adds a unique atmosphere to your visit. Reddit :park:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(184 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Museum of Medical History to be an underrated gem with a unique atmosphere due to its location on former psychiatric hospital grounds. The extensive collection of healthcare tools is a major draw, and the knowledgeable staff enhance the experience. However, the lack of English translations for most exhibits is a significant drawback for international visitors.

"This museum is on the grounds of a formal psychiatric facility. It does pay tribute the plight of former residents, as well as staff.

The medical museum contains a wide range of instruments. But it contains one glaring omission.

Sweden is a country with an eye for equality. Why no mention of the role that it played in eugenics?

Swedish medicine played a major role in the infamous eugenics movement of the 19th and 20th centuries. Yet no information is to be found here. There are calipers for measuring pelvises to be
Found here , but none for measuring heads. There is no mention of the forced sterilizations among the surgical devices."

Adam Schwartz

"Learn the medical history in a very pleasent way. Feel the atmosphere of the museum that previously served as a psychiatric department where patients lived and died. Let the guide impress you with his wide range of knowledge 👌👍"

Emily Gamvroulis

"Underrated museum with a very kind staff and interesting exhibitions."

Pauline Portail

What People Like

Unique atmosphere
Extensive medical tools
Knowledgeable staff

What People Dislike

Lack of English translation

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located on the grounds of a former psychiatric facility. Specific public transport or driving directions would depend on your starting point. It's recommended to check local transit maps or use a GPS service. Reddit

Information on parking availability is not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources, but it's common for such institutions to have visitor parking. It's advisable to check the museum's official website or contact them directly for parking details. Reddit

Yes, the museum can be visited as a day trip, especially if you are interested in medical history and the unique setting of a former psychiatric hospital. Reddit

Without knowing the specific city, it's hard to give exact directions. However, local buses or taxis are usually good options for reaching attractions outside the immediate city center. Reddit

The museum is located on the grounds of a former psychiatric facility, which itself is an attraction. Exploring the surrounding grounds can be part of your visit. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Specific opening hours are not detailed, but it's noted that the museum is free to visit on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It's best to check the museum's official website for current operating hours. Reddit

Admission is free on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For other days, there may be a fee, so it's recommended to verify pricing on their official website. Reddit

Booking in advance is generally not mentioned as a requirement, especially for free admission days. However, for special events or peak times, it might be a good idea to check. TikTok

Yes, the museum offers free admission on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reddit

Weekday mornings are generally less crowded than weekends or evenings. Visiting on days other than the free admission days might also result in fewer visitors. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Expect a wide range of historical healthcare tools and instruments. The museum also offers insights into the history of the former psychiatric facility. Reddit

While it contains historical medical instruments, the context of a former psychiatric facility might be sensitive for younger children. Parental discretion is advised. Reddit

Unfortunately, most exhibits are not translated into English, which can be inconvenient for non-Swedish speakers. Using a translator app is recommended. Reddit

Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage within the museum or ask staff if photography is permitted, especially without flash. Instagram

The museum has a unique atmosphere due to its location on the grounds of a former psychiatric hospital, offering a glimpse into the lives of former residents and staff. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. It's advisable to look for signs or ask museum staff for permission before taking pictures, especially to respect the sensitive nature of some exhibits. Instagram

The unique architecture of the former psychiatric facility and the historical medical instruments themselves can make for interesting photographic subjects. Reddit

Flash photography is often prohibited in museums to protect artifacts. Always check for specific rules regarding flash and tripods. Instagram

Generally, exterior photography is permitted unless there are specific restrictions. The grounds of the former psychiatric hospital offer a distinct visual backdrop. Reddit

Visitors often capture the historical medical equipment and the atmospheric interiors of the former psychiatric facility. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Museum of Medical History offers a unique educational experience, but its setting on a former psychiatric hospital grounds and the nature of medical artifacts might be sensitive for younger children. While there are many interesting historical tools to see, it's advisable to gauge your child's maturity level. Reddit

Consider focusing on the broader aspects of healthcare evolution rather than the more clinical or potentially unsettling elements. The free admission days on Tuesdays and Thursdays make it an accessible outing, but be prepared to use a translation app if your children are curious about the exhibit details. Reddit

🤓 History Buffs & Science Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by the history of medicine, this museum is a treasure trove. The extensive collection of historical medical instruments provides a tangible connection to past practices. Reddit The unique atmosphere of the former psychiatric facility adds an immersive layer to the historical narrative, offering insights into patient care and the evolution of medical institutions. Reddit

Be prepared for the language barrier, as most exhibits are in Swedish. However, the visual display of the instruments and the knowledgeable staff can still provide a rich learning experience. Look out for special events like paranormal investigations, which add an intriguing dimension to the visit. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

The Museum of Medical History is an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers, as admission is free on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reddit This allows you to explore a significant collection of medical history without any cost on these specific days. Reddit

Even on days with potential admission fees, the value of the experience, especially considering the unique setting and extensive exhibits, is often highlighted by visitors. It's a great way to engage with local history and culture affordably. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Setting: A Former Psychiatric Hospital

The Museum of Medical History is not just a collection of artifacts; it's an experience deeply tied to its location. Situated on the grounds of a former psychiatric facility, the museum allows visitors to feel the atmosphere of where patients lived and died. This historical context adds a profound layer to the understanding of medical advancements and patient care throughout history. Reddit

This setting provides a unique perspective on the history of medicine, particularly in relation to mental health treatment. While the psychiatric exhibit was undergoing renovation during one visitor's trip, the general ambiance of the grounds offers a powerful glimpse into the past. Reddit

Visitors often comment on the kind staff and their willingness to share personal insights, sometimes from their own experiences working in the facility in earlier decades. This human element makes the historical narrative even more compelling. Reddit

Navigating Exhibits and Language Barriers

The Museum of Medical History boasts an extensive collection of healthcare tools and instruments, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of medical practices. However, a significant challenge for international visitors is the language barrier, as most exhibits are presented in Swedish. Reddit

To fully appreciate the details and historical context, it's highly recommended to bring a translation app on your smartphone. This will allow you to access the information presented and gain a deeper understanding of the artifacts and their significance. Reddit :iphone:

Despite the language challenge, the sheer volume and variety of the medical equipment on display make it a worthwhile visit for anyone interested in the history of medicine. The staff's knowledge can also help bridge some of the gaps in understanding. Reddit

Understanding the Eugenics Controversy

One review highlighted a notable omission: the lack of information regarding Sweden's role in the eugenics movement during the 19th and 20th centuries. While the museum displays instruments like calipers for measuring body parts, the review points out the absence of any mention or display related to forced sterilizations, which were part of this controversial historical period. Reddit

This perspective suggests that while the museum covers a broad spectrum of medical history, it may not delve into all sensitive or ethically complex aspects of medical practice. Visitors interested in a comprehensive understanding of medical history, including its darker chapters, might find this an area for further personal research. Reddit

The review specifically mentions the presence of calipers for measuring pelvises but notes the absence of those for measuring heads, implying a potential focus on certain types of measurements over others that were relevant to eugenics. Reddit

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