Museum of Human Disease

The Museum of Human Disease is a fascinating attraction located in Kensington, Sydney. It is the only one of its kind across the country that is open to the public to visit and view its medical pathology collection.

The museum is home to thousands of specimens of the human body. Vital organs, such as the kidneys, brain, lungs and heart, are all preserved in formaldehyde and encased in glass on display. Each specimen is accompanied by clinical history, and some specimens are over 100 years old and are irreplaceable.

Museum of Human Disease Entry Price UNSW, Kensington Sydney

The most critical part of this museum is that each specimen was taken from a human being. As such, there is a story behind each and more than 2,000 specimens on display. A good number of the stories are indicated, and some remain unsaid, perhaps to give visitors a chance for deeper introspection.

The museum is home to specimen obtained from both infectious and non-infectious diseases. While diseases such as typhoid and cholera are rare in Australia – owing to solid public health programs, others such as TB and HIV AIDS remain a pertinent challenge.

A good number of diseases are lifestyle conditions, and it is in light of this that the museum holds regular exhibitions. These exhibitions include those that touch on drug abuse, obesity, smoking addiction, alcohol and even mental health.

It is important to note that some people may be sensitive to the display of real human tissue. Please consider the suitability of this material when planning your visit. All children under 15 years must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.

If you are looking for an attraction that is as entertaining as it is educational, then the Museum of Human Disease is the place to be.

The museum can be found on the ground floor of the Samuels Building at The University of New South Wales; Corner of High & Botany St, Kensington.