Located in a plum location on Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive, the International Museum of Surgical Science is a varied collection. Some of the displays are exceptionally good – trepanned skulls, a huge library of medical books, a recreation of a vintage pharmacy, a diorama of a surgical theater and more. However, there are also a couple of galleries of some exceptionally ugly paintings and sculptures. Ostensibly to honor great surgeons and the history of surgery, they are still of very mediocre quality. Other galleries, clearly sponsored by foreign nations, feel more like ads than museum displays.

Overall though, the museum is intriguing and educational visit.  Just don’t have a big meal before you go.

International Museum of Surgical Science
1524 N. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60610