The origins of Berlin’s Medical History Museum date back to 1899 when Rudolf Virchow, the head of the pathology department, pioneered the creation of the Pathological Museum at the Charité University, featuring approximately 20,000 specimens that had largely been collected by Virchow himself.

Virchow died in 1902 and during WWI the collection was closed to the public and only made available to students for academic purposes. In the years that followed the number of items continued to increase, reaching close to 35,000 specimens by 1939. Unfortunately during WWII the collection suffered considerable damage during allied bombing raids and less than 2000 exhibits were left undamaged.

Eventually in the 1990’s a decision was made to reopen the museum, showcasing the remains of Virchow’s anatomical library and adding additional medical history instruments and equipment leading to the renaming of the museum as the ‘Berliner Medizinhistorisches Museum’.

On the upper floor you will find the permanent exhibition named ‘Tracing Life’ which showcases the remaining specimens of Virchow’s collection as well as a fascinating dive into 300 years of medical history. The museum contains thousands of wet and dry specimens ranging from across the human body, including various ailments, deformities and medical obscurities, which I would point out may be disturbing for some to view. You will also find many cabinets filled with skulls showcasing what effects different diseases can have on the body.

In addition, the extensive exhibition features a dissecting room, historical ward and anatomical theatre, providing incredible and eye-opening insights into how medicine has transformed over the last four centuries.

Tip: Tie in a visit to the Museum of Natural History which is a short walk away