Josephinum — Attraction in Vienna

Very elegant and well thought-out expositions. Conceptually I would divide the exhibition into (a) wax figurines of various anatomical parts of human body or whole somatic systems (lymphatic, vessels, ai...), (b) history of medicine with heavy emphasis of how local Josephinum and whole Hospital complex of VIenna and its staff play the role in the whole theatre of history of this field... The wax figurines are breathtaking and exquisite in detail - and to think that they were made in 18th century makes them even more fascinating. The expositions reflecting the history of medicine however hold their own weight. The mediums, artifacts and objects are, as it appears, selected with care and forethought. You are not just presented with walls of texts - personally, there is just enough of it, to give you some context. But beyond that, there are authentic, invaluable prints, paintings, instruments, artifacts,...

I’m not really sure how to rate this museum. The collection of wax models comprises most of the museum, though there are some interesting instruments to see as well. The models are beautiful, but have zero explanation or even labels, so unless you already know anatomy, it’s difficult to be interested. My teen daughter chose this museum, but has not taken anatomy and physiology yet, so she was lost. I do know anatomy and pointed some things out to her, but she prefers to learn by reading on her own. It’s kind of expensive for a museum without much educational value for the general public. However, it’s an incredible resource for students...

I formerly worked for medical societies and have an interest in medical museums. The Josephinum has a collection of extraordinary wax anatomical models that were made as teaching aids. Including one depicting the cadaver of a beautiful young woman wearing a string of pearls. The intention of the figure, I assume, was to cause the medical students to remember the humanity of their patients, and that they are far more than simply a disease to be treated.

A superb museum, clearly not...