International Museum of Surgical Science
The International Museum of Surgical Science, founded by Dr. Max Thorek in 1954 and operated by the International College of Surgeons, is housed in a stunning 1917 Gold Coast mansion designed by architect Howard Van Doren Shaw to replicate Marie Antoinette's Petit Trianon at Versailles. This unique...
About the Museum
Established
1954
Affiliated Institution
International College of Surgeons
Collection Size
7,000+ objects
Notable Exhibits
- •Period pharmacy furniture
- •Apothecary jars
- •Drug compounding tools
- •Surgical instruments
Exhibit Focus
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Monday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Tuesday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Wednesday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Thursday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Friday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission Fee
Adults – $25.00 Senior Citizens (ages 65+)* – $18.00 Students & Members of the Military (with ID)* – $18.00 Educators (with ID)* – $18.00 Children ages 4–13 – $15.00 Children ages 3 and under – FREE IMSS Members – FREE
Booking
No advance booking required for individual visits
Accessibility
The International Museum of Surgical Science is committed to welcoming all visitors, including those with diverse needs and abilities. The International Museum of Surgical Science does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, or ability. As a museum that explores the history and science of medicine and surgery, we strive to make our exhibits and programs accessible to all types of learners. A stroller and wheelchair-accessible entrance is located on the north side of the building, to the right of the main entrance on 1524 N. Lake Shore Drive. Please knock or call the front desk at 312-642-6502 to be let in. There are two ramps on the first floor and a manually grated elevator that goes to all four floors. Please check-in with the front desk attendant for elevator use instructions. The Museum has three single-use, gender-neutral restrooms located on the 1st and 3rd floors. ADA-approved service animals are permitted.
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Opening Hours
Monday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Tuesday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Wednesday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Thursday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Friday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission Fee
Adults – $25.00 Senior Citizens (ages 65+)* – $18.00 Students & Members of the Military (with ID)* – $18.00 Educators (with ID)* – $18.00 Children ages 4–13 – $15.00 Children ages 3 and under – FREE IMSS Members – FREE
Booking
No advance booking required for individual visits
Accessibility
The International Museum of Surgical Science is committed to welcoming all visitors, including those with diverse needs and abilities. The International Museum of Surgical Science does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, or ability. As a museum that explores the history and science of medicine and surgery, we strive to make our exhibits and programs accessible to all types of learners. A stroller and wheelchair-accessible entrance is located on the north side of the building, to the right of the main entrance on 1524 N. Lake Shore Drive. Please knock or call the front desk at 312-642-6502 to be let in. There are two ramps on the first floor and a manually grated elevator that goes to all four floors. Please check-in with the front desk attendant for elevator use instructions. The Museum has three single-use, gender-neutral restrooms located on the 1st and 3rd floors. ADA-approved service animals are permitted.
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Getting There & Nearby
Transportation
The Museum is easily accessible by bus or train: The CTA bus #151 stops at North Avenue, half a block north of the Museum. From the Clark/Division stop of the Red Line elevated train walk east on Division until you reach Lake Shore Drive. Turn north and walk a few blocks to the Museum. From the Sedgwick stop of the Brown Line and Purple Line Express elevated train, walk east on North Avenue until you reach Lake Shore Drive. Turn south and walk a block to the Museum. For train and bus schedules call the CTA at 312-836-7000.
Nearby Attractions
- •Lincoln Park Zoo
- •Chicago History Museum
- •Lake Michigan waterfront
- •Lincoln Park
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