The International Museum of Surgical Science maintains over 10,000 square feet of public galleries dedicated to the history of surgery and a permanent collection of art and artifacts from the history of Medicine.
At regular intervals, it also conducts medically themed exhibitions and programs.
The International Museum of Surgical Science houses nearly 7,000 medical objects spanning decades of medical history, from acupuncture to X-ray therapy.
You’ll find a collection of exquisite paintings in addition to stuff like iron lungs.
Famous faces from medical history and a cast of Napoleon’s 1821 death mask are among the more than 600 paintings, prints, and sculptures on display.
This article covers everything you must know about booking tickets to the International Museum of Surgical Science.
Top International Museum of Surgical Science Ticket
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What to expect
Gain insights into the advancements in medical science, from ancient techniques to modern innovations.
Delve into the intricacies of human anatomy and the remarkable progress made in the field of surgery.
The museum’s exhibitions provide a distinctive fusion of surgical tools, medical artifacts, and educational panels that narrate the fascinating history of how surgical procedures have developed.
Admire a selection of fine equipment, including a plaster replica of Napoleon’s 1821 death mask and an original iron lung from the 1930s used to treat polio victims.
You will also see a collection of paintings, sculptures, prints, and other fine art over a period of 600 years.
Buy This TicketWhere to book tickets
Tickets for International Museum of Surgical Science are available online and at the attraction.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.
Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
How do online tickets work
Visit the booking page for the International Museum of Surgical Science, select your travel date and the number of tickets, and make the booking.
Once you complete the booking process, the tickets will be mailed to you.
You do not need to carry printouts.
Show the e-ticket on your smartphone at the entrance and walk in.
Please carry a valid ID.
International Museum of Surgical Science Ticket Prices
For entry tickets to the International Museum of Surgical Science. the general ticket for all ages between 14 and 64 costs US$19.
Children between four and 13 can get entry at US$10.
Seniors above 64, students with ID, teachers, and military personnel can also enter at a discounted rate of US$14.
Infants up to three years are not charged anything.
International Museum of Surgical Science’s tickets
This International Museum of Surgical Science ticket gets you access to all permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Since this is a Skip the Line ticket, you can avoid the lines at the ticket counter.
On the day of your visit, you can show the Science Museum’s ticket on your mobile and walk in.
You can cancel this ticket up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
Ticket Prices
Adult ticket (14 to 64 years): US$19
Child ticket (4 to 13 years): US$10
Senior ticket (65+ years): US$14
Student ticket (with ID): US$14
Educator ticket (with ID): US$14
Military ticket (with military ID): US$14
Kids below three years enter for free, but you must select a free ticket for them on the booking page.
Buy This TicketHow to reach the Museum
The International Museum of Surgical Science is on the North Lake Shore Drive, along the western shore of Lake Michigan.
Address: 1524 North Lake Shore Drive, 60610, Chicago. Get Directions
The Museum is easily accessible by public transport.
By Bus
The CTA bus #151 stops at Lake Shore and North Av bus stop, a two-minute walk away from the museum.
By Train
From the Clark/Division Subway 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.
The station is a 16-minute walk away from the Museum
From the Sedgwick Subway 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.
The walk will take you 18 minutes.
By Car
Cars for rent and Taxis for hire are easily available in Chicago.
Put on Google Maps and navigate to the Surgical Science Museum.
There is no on-site parking.
Two public parking options are located near the museum.
Public Parking Lot – Behind the Chicago History Museum located at Clark and LaSalle Streets, Chicago, IL 60614; entrance on Stockton Drive.
Public Parking Lot – In the condominium building at 1350 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60610; entrance on E. Banks Street.
Surgical Science Museum’s timings
The International Museum of Surgical Science is open from 9.30 am to 5 pm on weekdays.
On Weekends, it is open from 10 am to 5 pm.
The last entry is one hour before closure.
The Museum remains closed on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
How long does the tour take
On average, visitors spend about 90-120 minutes in the Surgical Science Museum.
If you really delve deep into the attractions and their descriptions, you can easily spend up to three hours here.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the museum is in the early morning hours as soon as it opens, around 10 am.
After 11, crowds and educational groups start to pile up, and hence, it is best to visit in the morning, away from all the rush.
