Medical History Museum

The Medical History Museum (1967-present) houses a research collection which documents the history of the University of Melbourne medical school from the mid 19th century, its teaching hospitals and achievements of its graduates from the 1860s to the present day and, more broadly, the history of medical practice in Victoria. The Medical History Museum holds over 4000 items which include objects, photographs, archives and ephemera. The Museum houses the reconstructed 1849 Savory and Moore Pharmacy. Three ornate display cases from the Melbourne Internal Exhibition 1880 hold microscopes, microtomes and surgical instruments from the early 1800s to the 1950s.

The Museum also holds an extensive collection of medical instruments and machines representing two hundred years of technology, as well as objects relating to public health. Other highlights include a collection of apothecary jars dating back to the 1600s; also a large photographic and archival collection relating to past graduates, prominent medicos and medical treatments over the last two centuries.

The Medical History Museum's role is as a collecting museum, receiving and encouraging acquisitions to its growing collection, producing exhibitions, encouraging public access, providing guided tours, and also providing support for the academic programs within the University.