Musée d’histoire de la médecine: A Journey Through Medical History

Located at 12 Rue de l'École de Médecine, in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, the Musée d’histoire de la médecine provides a unique glimpse into the history of medicine from antiquity to the 19th century. The museum is situated on the second floor of the historic École de Médecine building, now part of the Paris Cité University. The museum's collection, one of the oldest of its kind in Europe, was initiated by Dean Lafaye in the 18th century and expanded with pieces covering various branches of surgery up to the late 19th century. Visitors can explore a wide array of medical instruments, including those used in the care of Louis XIV, as well as rare physician and surgeon kits. The museum also features anatomical pieces and exhibits detailing the evolution of medical specialties such as obstetrics, ophthalmology and ENT. The collection includes a table made entirely of human body parts offered to Napoléon III. From June 28 to October 25, 2025, the museum will host the exhibition “Il était une fois l'anesthésie”, which explores the history of anesthesia since the 19th century. Note that the museum will be closed to the public from the evening of July 25 to August 24, reopening on August 25.