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International Museum of Surgical Science

International Museum of Surgical Science The mission of the Museum is to enrich people's lives by enhancing their appreciation and understanding of the history, art, and advances of surgery.

Since 1954, the International Museum of Surgical Science has provided education on the history and progress of surgery and related medical sciences to hundreds of thousands of visitors. As a not-for-profit division of the International College of Surgeons, the Museum depicts contributions from around the world to the history, development, and advances of surgery and related subjects in health and

medicine. The International College of Surgeons pays tribute to the Taiwan Public Health System in fighting the Covid-19 worldwide pandemic. The Taiwan Public Health System has always been in the vanguard of world health matters. Housed in a historic mansion, the Museum building is a City of Chicago Landmark and is listed in the National Register and Illinois Register of Historic Places. The elegant structure, known as the Eleanor Robinson Countiss House, is patterned after Le Petit Trianon, a French chateau built on the grounds of Versailles for Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Designed by noted Chicago architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, the building was completed in 1917. Original interior finishes of marble and cut stone; decorative plasterwork, metal fixtures, and hardware; eight fireplaces; and a gilded metal grand staircase are among the features, which have been preserved. The building truly embodies the Gold Coast splendor of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. GENERAL INFORMATION
The Museum is closed on the following holidays: Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. ADMISSION

Adults - $18.00
Senior Citizens (ages 65+) - $14.00
Students, Educators & Members of the Military (with ID) - $14.00
Children ages 4–13 (Free for ages 3 & under) - $10.00
Children ages 3 and under - FREE

IMSS Members - FREE

No Refunds • No Exchanges • No Re-Entry

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

The Museum is easily accessible by bus or train.

* The CTA bus #151 stops at North Avenue, half a block north of the Museum.

* From the Clark/Division stop of the Red Line elevated train walk east on Division until you reach Lake Shore Drive. Turn north and walk a few blocks to the Museum.

* From the Sedgwick stop of the Brown Line and Purple Line Express elevated train, walk east on North Avenue until you reach Lake Shore Drive. Turn south and walk a block to the Museum. For train and bus schedules call the RTA/CTA at 312-836-7000. PARKING

Ample discounted parking is available in 3 locations within a few minutes’ walk of the Museum. Retrieve a discounted validation voucher/stamp at the Museum box office to present to the parking attendant upon exiting the lot/ramp. PARKING OPTION

Standard Parking Lot - Behind the Chicago History Museum located on Clark and LaSalle Streets, Chicago, IL 60614; entrance on Stockton Drive

Standard Parking Lot - in condominium building at 1445 N. State Parkway, Chicago, IL 60610; entrance on Burton Place. Standard Parking Lot - in condominium building at 1350 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60610; entrance on E. Banks Street

Operating as usual

🎆2023 is almost here!🎆We are in the official countdown, with just 2 more days before we march into a new year of adventu...
12/30/2022

🎆2023 is almost here!🎆

We are in the official countdown, with just 2 more days before we march into a new year of adventure in exhibitions and programming experiences to bring to you in 2023.

As the year winds down, will you join us in sharing the museum's magic, with your gift today?
Donate at:
https://donorbox.org/imss

12/26/2022

Merry Christmas! 🎄🎄🎄
Hope everyone is having a great holiday.
We will resume our normal hours of operation tomorrow.
Hope to see everyone!

Thanks for those that participated in Eric Spruth’s candle making program! ………
12/23/2022

Thanks for those that participated in Eric Spruth’s candle making program!



Time for the last-minute gifts 🎁🎁🎁USE Code: HOLIDAY20 and get 20% off your purchase!
12/22/2022

Time for the last-minute gifts 🎁🎁🎁
USE Code: HOLIDAY20 and get 20% off your purchase!

*Museum Closures*Closed: December 22 through December 25; December 31 & January 1Out of an abundance of caution and for ...
12/22/2022

*Museum Closures*

Closed: December 22 through December 25; December 31 & January 1

Out of an abundance of caution and for the safety of our guests and staff, the Museum will be closed Thursday, December 22 and Friday, December 23, due to forecasted blizzard conditions and severe cold. The Museum will be closed for the holiday on Saturday, December 24 and Sunday, December 25. The Museum will reopen at 9:30AM on Monday, December 26.

For up-to-date closure information, visit us online at IMSS.org or on social media.

We apologize if this causes any inconvenience. Be safe and well this holiday season!

-IMSS Team

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year everyone! We wish everyone happy holidays. The museum will be closed Christmas Eve, Chr...
12/22/2022

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year everyone! We wish everyone happy holidays. The museum will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year Eve, and New Year Day. We happy remain open to serve the community Dec 26~30.

Holiday SALE is not over. BUY BUY BUY! Check out these unique Jewelry we are featuring this week. Visit our site to chec...
12/20/2022

Holiday SALE is not over. BUY BUY BUY! Check out these unique Jewelry we are featuring this week. Visit our site to check out the full guide.🎁🎁🎁

Code: HOLIDAY20

We are EXTENDING the holiday SALE!!! Buy up your last-minute holiday day gift with some unique IMSS items. Code: HOLIDAY...
12/17/2022

We are EXTENDING the holiday SALE!!! Buy up your last-minute holiday day gift with some unique IMSS items.

Code: HOLIDAY20

IMSS Gift Guide is available NOW!🎁❤🎁 Happy December, with holidays around the corner check out what unique items you can...
12/09/2022

IMSS Gift Guide is available NOW!🎁❤🎁 Happy December, with holidays around the corner check out what unique items you can get to aww your friends and family. For full catalogue visit our website. We are currently running a sale in-store +online.

Code: HOLIDAY20

Eric Spruth: Art Therapy & tarot: The importance of Symbol; Then Now, and Forevermore. Opening was a Success! 🥳🥳Thanks t...
12/05/2022

Eric Spruth: Art Therapy & tarot: The importance of Symbol; Then Now, and Forevermore. Opening was a Success! 🥳🥳Thanks to everyone that came to enjoy the evening with us!

On view until Feb 12, 2023






Eric Dean Spruth

12/01/2022

Celebrating World AIDS Day Dec. 1. TOMORROW, IMSS will be screening Being & Belonging in our exhibitions.

Visual AIDS


Clifford Prince King
Jaewon Kim .1
Mikiki
Davina “Dee” Conner & Karin Hayes
Camila Arce
Jhoel Zempoalteca & La Jerry
Camilo Acosta Huntertexas & Santiago Lemus Santiago Lemuss

FREE with admission.

It's GIVING TUESDAY! Please donate to IMSS so we can continue to help keep exhibiting unique shows, programs, and educat...
11/29/2022

It's GIVING TUESDAY! Please donate to IMSS so we can continue to help keep exhibiting unique shows, programs, and education! Thank you!❤️❤️❤️

2023 Collection Interns Application ending soon! Learn about our amazing collection & gain some experience! Apply TODAYD...
11/27/2022

2023 Collection Interns Application ending soon! Learn about our amazing collection & gain some experience! Apply TODAY
Deadline Dec 1, 2022
🤓🤓🤓
For more info visit https://imss.org/collections-internships/
🥸🥸🥸

11/26/2022

Today is Dr. Mary Edward Walker's birthday! She was one of America's 1st female physicians, who also served as a surgeon for the Civil War Union army.

Mary was an activist who wore and advocated for shortened dresses and pants called "reform dress." She was physically attacked and arrested for wearing pants in public.

Thanksgiving Holiday Sale! Get 25%OFF at IMSS gift store. In-store & Online. Get your uinque holiday gift & thanks! Code...
11/25/2022

Thanksgiving Holiday Sale! Get 25%OFF at IMSS gift store. In-store & Online. Get your uinque holiday gift & thanks! Code: THANKS25

11/23/2022

IMSS is proud to partner with for Day With(out) Art 2022 by presenting BEING & BELONGING, a program of seven new videos centering the emotional reality of living with HIV today.

The program features new work by Clifford Prince King, Jaewon Kim, Mikiki, Davina “Dee” Conner & Karin Hayes, Camila Arce, Jhoel Zempoalteca & La Jerry, and Camilo Acosta Huntertexas & Santiago Lemus.

A day of mourning and action that uses art to respond to the ongoing HIV and AIDS crisis, Day With(out) Art encourages museums, universities, museums, and art institutions to present related programming on or around December 1, World AIDS Day. AIDS is not over!

Screening December 1st at IMSS. FREE with admission.

.1

Happy Thanksgiving! In observance of Thanksgiving, IMSS will be CLOSED Nov 24. 2022.We will resume regular hours the nex...
11/19/2022

Happy Thanksgiving! In observance of Thanksgiving, IMSS will be CLOSED Nov 24. 2022.
We will resume regular hours the next day! Check out our gift shop during this sale holiday and get 25% OFF! Code: THANKS25

Art Therapy & tarot: The importance of Symbol; Then Now, and ForevermoreOpening Tomorrow! 6:00PM – 8:00PM FREE!         ...
11/17/2022

Art Therapy & tarot: The importance of Symbol; Then Now, and Forevermore
Opening Tomorrow! 6:00PM – 8:00PM FREE!






Eric Dean Spruth

⚠️10% OFF PROMO⚠️Want to hold your event at a space your guests will remember years later? ⚠️10% OFF⚠️ events held Nov~J...
11/12/2022

⚠️10% OFF PROMO⚠️
Want to hold your event at a space your guests will remember years later?
⚠️10% OFF⚠️ events held Nov~Jan 2023.
Wait no more, book your event at IMSS.
DM or email for more info.

Wanna be an IMSS member? 😎Here's your chance to get or give a special 🎁.New Member, Old Member, Renewing your Member, al...
11/11/2022

Wanna be an IMSS member? 😎
Here's your chance to get or give a special 🎁.
New Member, Old Member, Renewing your Member, all are welcome.
20%OFF! Grab it while you can!
DM for more INFO

visit:https://imss.org/museum-membership/

FREE TUESDAYS are BACK!!! 🥳Starting Tuesday Dec 6th.Visit our site & plan your visit. https://imss.org/                 ...
11/10/2022

FREE TUESDAYS are BACK!!! 🥳
Starting Tuesday Dec 6th.
Visit our site & plan your visit.

https://imss.org/

🎊Congrats to all winners of our 2022 Kintusugi Gala Silent Auction! 🎊 Thanks to everyone that supported us🙏If you missed...
10/29/2022

🎊Congrats to all winners of our 2022 Kintusugi Gala Silent Auction! 🎊 Thanks to everyone that supported us🙏If you missed the auction or got outbid, please visit our Online Gift Shop for more awesome items to buy.

Please remember to pay online before Nov 05 and pickup before Nov 30.

🧟‍♂️Halloween Sale! 🧛‍♂️ Shop at IMSS for unique holiday gifts and decorations! Get 15% OFF + FREE SHIPPING with Coupon ...
10/28/2022

🧟‍♂️Halloween Sale! 🧛‍♂️ Shop at IMSS for unique holiday gifts and decorations!
Get 15% OFF + FREE SHIPPING with
Coupon Code: BONES15
🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃
imss.ecwid.com
🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃
Valid through Nov. 1st

First drop of an amazing night at our Kintsugi Gala! Thanks to all who came out! Our galabid will close this week. Get y...
10/26/2022

First drop of an amazing night at our Kintsugi Gala! Thanks to all who came out! Our galabid will close this week. Get your bids in before it ends.☠️
Link: https://app.galabid.com/kintsugigala

📸 :

Kintsugi Gala is Tonight! Don't miss out! Remember to pick up your memorable LIMITED EDITION Kintsugi-Skull Keychains.  ...
10/22/2022

Kintsugi Gala is Tonight! Don't miss out! Remember to pick up your memorable LIMITED EDITION Kintsugi-Skull Keychains.

Our Silent Auction is NOW LIVE! Come bid on our selected donations to support our fundraiser. You just might also be the...
10/22/2022

Our Silent Auction is NOW LIVE! Come bid on our selected donations to support our fundraiser. You just might also be the lucky winner walking away with a great deal!
Link: https://app.galabid.com/kintsugigala

Performing at the Kintsugi Gala is JAF board member and world renowned City Pop DJ Van Paugam! Dance to the nostalgic so...
10/18/2022

Performing at the Kintsugi Gala is JAF board member and world renowned City Pop DJ Van Paugam! Dance to the nostalgic sounds of retro Japan with us. Tickets available at IMSS.org/kintsugigala

Address

1524 N Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL
60610

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5pm
Friday 9:30am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

(312) 642-6502

Alerts

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Our Story

Since 1954, the International Museum of Surgical Science has provided education on the history and progress of surgery and related medical sciences to hundreds of thousands of visitors. As a not-for-profit division of the International College of Surgeons, the Museum depicts contributions from around the world to the history, development and advances of surgery and related subjects in health and medicine. Housed in a historic mansion, the Museum building is a City of Chicago Landmark and is listed in the National Register and Illinois Register of Historic Places. The elegant structure, known as the Eleanor Robinson Countiss House, is patterned after Le Petit Trianon, a French chateau built on the grounds of Versailles for Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Designed by noted Chicago architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, the building was completed in 1917. Original interior finishes of marble and cut stone; decorative plaster work, metal fixtures and hardware; eight fireplaces; and a gilded metal grand staircase are among the features, which have been preserved. The building truly embodies the Gold Coast splendor of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. GENERAL INFORMATION The Museum is closed on the following holidays: Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. IMSS is also closed during the Chicago Air and Water Show weekend. ADMISSION Adults - $17.00 Students, Educators, Members or the Military (with ID) - $13.00 Senior Citizens (ages 65+) - $13.00 Children ages 4–13 (Free for ages 3 & under) - $9.00 Children ages 3 and under - FREE IMSS Members - FREE No Refunds • No Exchanges • No Re-Entry PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION The Museum is easily accessible by bus or train. * The CTA bus #151 stops at North Avenue, half a block north of the Museum. * From the Clark/Division stop of the Red Line elevated train walk east on Division until you reach Lake Shore Drive. Turn north and walk a few blocks to the Museum. * From the Sedgwick stop of the Brown Line and Purple Line Express elevated train, walk east on North Avenue until you reach Lake Shore Drive. Turn south and walk a block to the Museum. For train and bus schedules call the RTA/CTA at 312-836-7000. PARKING Ample discounted parking is available in 3 locations within a few minutes’ walk of the Museum. Retrieve a discounted validation voucher/stamp at the Museum box office to present to the parking attendant upon exiting the lot/ramp. PARKING OPTION Standard Parking Lot - Behind the Chicago History Museum located on Clark and LaSalle Streets, Chicago, IL 60614; entrance on Stockton Drive Standard Parking Lot - in condominium building at 1445 N. State Parkway, Chicago, IL 60610; entrance on Burton Place. Standard Parking Lot - in condominium building at 1350 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60610; entrance on E. Banks Street


Other Science Museums in Chicago

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Our favorite museums in Illinois will surely delight your friends and family! Field Museum, Chicago History Museum, Naper Settlement, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, The Art Institute of Chicago, Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, International Museum of Surgical Science, The Adler Planetarium, Illinois State Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
This week we'll finish up our deep dive into smallpox and see how it affected the Americas and, more importantly, how this deadly virus came to an end. It's difficult to wrap one's mind around how devastating this illness was to indigenous peoples. We'll see how it impacted the US Revolutionary War. And we'll finally see what this all has to do with rashy cows which, with the help of Dr. Edward Jenner's newfound practices, helped ultimately end the grip this disease had on the world. I'm glad we as physicians don't have to diagnose this illness anymore.

We are joined again by James R. Wilke who was kind enough to lend his expertise from his research as an artist in residency at the International Museum of Surgical Science to the creation of this show--including an amazing smallpoxy adaptation of The Night Before Christmas. We think you'll enjoy.

Links to show in our profile.

We can't wait to see you all tomorrow! Thank you for RSVP'ing. Here are some travel details from the International Museum of Surgical Science https://imss.org/plan-your-visit/
TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT!

Come hear ~Nois make some weird sounds surrounded by our new statue friends. 7pm at the International Museum of Surgical Science. Ticket link in below:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/420961997667

World Premiere of Sunthrower by Darian Donovan Thomas

Works by
Hunter Brown
Sam Scranton
Aj Santillan
Daniel Wohl
New Episode – Smallpox (Part 1)
It’s about time we covered what is arguably the most devastating infectious disease in human history. We are joined by guest James R. Wilke by way of his work with the International Museum of Surgical Science--which we are convinced that he did just to be a part of our show, of course.

As an artist in residency at the museum, James’ research focused on smallpox and the impact this had all over the world. It’s a big topic so we’re splitting this into two episodes. Here, we bring you the first part, complete with our typical whimsy and humor. We hope you all enjoy.

If you’ve enjoyed this or any of our other episodes, follow us on social media and feel free to share us wherever you see fit.



Podcast Links:
-Linktree (reviews/ratings/social media links): linktr.ee/poorhistorianspod
-Merch Site: https://www.teepublic.com/user/poor-historians-podcast
Save the date NCA Chicago Chapter members!

Our Holiday Party will take place on December 6th and will be hosted by our newest Affiliate Member International Museum of Surgical Science. This gathering is also where you can bring your Chigivesback donations for the Toy Drive or the family wishlist.

Check your emails to RSVP!

After writing, my second passion is photography.

Happy to share that my photos of the International Museum of Surgical Science in Chicago were recently featured in The Secret City magazine!

Link: https://thesecret.city/things-to-do/united-states/il/chicago/international-museum-of-surgical-science/
Thanks to our amazing opening team last week, My Son, Daniel!

Join us tonight at 8pm at Annoyance Theatre for FRIGHT NIGHT, featuring spooky storytelling from International Museum of Surgical Science, Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Tours, and Cole Elbel, along with improv by the combined forces of Devil’s Daughter and FLEX!

Tickets: https://theannoyance.thundertix.com/orders/new?performance_id=2856443
TONIGHT at 8pm is your LAST CHANCE to see Devil’s Daughter and FLEX on Wednesdays at Annoyance Theatre! But we’re going out with a SHRIEEEEK! It’s FRIGHT NIGHT, a night of terrifying true stories and improv featuring an amputation demonstration by International Museum of Surgical Science, a ghost tour guide from Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Tours, and a ghost story from Cole Elbel!

Tickets: https://theannoyance.thundertix.com/orders/new?performance_id=2856443

Art by Meigan Morales
Tomorrow night at 8pm is your LAST CHANCE to see Devil’s Daughter and FLEX on Wednesdays at Annoyance Theatre! But we’re going out with a SHRIEEEEK! It’s FRIGHT NIGHT, a night of terrifying true stories and improv featuring an amputation demonstration by International Museum of Surgical Science, a ghost tour guide from Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Tours, and a ghost story from Cole Elbel!

Tickets: https://theannoyance.thundertix.com/orders/new?performance_id=2856443

Art by Meigan Morales
Mummies are commonly associated with Ancient Egypt, but this cast is from a Peruvian mummy thousands of years old. You can discover the backstory of this mummy and so many other fascinating objects on my International Museum of Surgical Science (IMSS) virtual tours. They’re split into two, 45-minute experiences and are available on October 26 and November 10 on Heygo. There’s no charge to join my live-streamed tours, but tips are appreciated. Just click the link in the comments to register. I hope to see you soon at the IMSS!

P.S. Click the link in the bio to also bid on wonderful things in the IMSS’s Kintsugi Gala silent auction, including a private, two-hour tour of your choosing from me!
WEDNESDAY AT 8PM, don’t miss FRIGHT NIGHT, a night of terrifying true stories and improv featuring an amputation demonstration by International Museum of Surgical Science, a ghost tour guide from Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Tours, and a ghost story from Cole Elbel! Devil’s Daughter and FLEX are combining forces for this one!

It’s also your last chance to see Devil’s Daughter at the Annoyance Theatre before we pass beyond the veil (to a different theater)!

Tickets: https://theannoyance.thundertix.com/orders/new?performance_id=2856443
Tonight is the International Museum of Surgical Science Kintsugi Gala fundraiser filled with great food, drink and entertainment. Whether you’re at this event or not, you can bid on 74 lots in their silent auction, including a two-hour private tour of your choice from me for up to 15 people! All the proceeds support the wonderful International Museum of Surgical Science. Click the link in the comments to see all the silent auction items. 💀
For our final show at Annoyance Theatre (don’t worry, we’ll be back at a different location), Devil’s Daughter and FLEX are joining forces for FRIGHT NIGHT, a terrifying night of spooky stories and improv. Featuring stories by a Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Tours guide, Cole Elbel, and an amputation demonstration by International Museum of Surgical Science! You don’t want to miss it next Wednesday at 8pm!

Tickets: https://theannoyance.thundertix.com/orders/new?performance_id=2856443
Join us at the International Museum of Surgical Science along with the Japanese Arts Foundation for the inaugural Kintsugi Gala. Cuisine from local fine restaurants, Unlimited Suntory whisky, Live art performances, Photo booth experiences, and a City Pop vinyl DJ set by yours truly. Don't miss this, it's going to be incredible.

I am so, so proud of this show. "The Priestess of Morphine" has been a consistent presence in my life for multiple years at this point and I'm so grateful to have been a part of this show from the start.

Thank you to: Rosśa Crean for trusting me with this show; to Aiden Feltkamp for creating text and new translations of Marie-Madeleine's beautiful poetry; to Jessie Lyons for her incredible scene partnership and artistic spirit (and stunning singing); to Zucker for consistently finding new amazing colors when performing and being a backbone of production; to Beaune and N for joining us on this journey and giving such wonderful voices to the chamber orchestra; to Peckham Media Productions for their amazing work in this recording; and to the International Museum of Surgical Science for being such generous collaborators in how we use the museum for performance. I want to give a special thank you to the Goethe-Institut Chicago for their generous grant that allowed this work to come to life once more - thank you so very much.

Streaming is available until Oct. 31 - get your ticket to view the video-on-demand before time runs out!
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Other Science Museums in Chicago (show all)

Society of Architectural Historians Charnley-Persky House Museum Foundation Chicago History Museum Chicago Metro History Day Courtroom 600 Loyola University Museum of Art Martin D'Arcy Museum of Art St Valentines Day Massacre Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art Museum of Contemporary Art (Chicago) Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago Musée d'art contemporain (Chicago) Terra Museum Terra Museum of American Art