#MacabroTurístico: Museo de la Medicina

The Museo de la Medicina is one of the most peculiar, strange, and educational museums in Mexico City. It's located in the Palacio de la Escuela de Medicina at UNAM, in the very building once occupied by the Palacio de la Inquisición, and it houses some of the most graphic replicas of medieval torture methods and diseases.

Contrary to what one might think, the wax exhibits that make up the exhibition aren't meant to scare or impress people, but rather to show the evolution of medicine in Mexico, from magical and spiritual remedies to scientific advances. The museum takes you along the path of Hispanic medicine through the centuries to illustrate the Mexican view of health and the changes in its history.

Many will probably be looking for the gore side of the scientific exhibit, but the exhibition goes beyond that, showing things like the use of temazcal steam baths for the spiritual healing of illnesses, as well as a model pharmacy from the 19th century. Beyond its sordid displays, the museum teaches us the path humanity has traveled in its quest to understand the human body and its diseases.

Visiting hours are Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission is free with official ID.

Original article: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/museo-de-la-medicina-mexicana (abre en nueva pestaña)

Image: internet