Museum of the History of Medicine

The Museum of the History of Medicine, in the old School of Surgery

The Paris audio-guided tour takes you along the long colonnaded building of the old School of Surgery, which houses the Museum of the History of Medicine. In the eighteenth century, surgery began to be recognised as a discipline in its own right.

France's first medical school building

In 1731 a royal academy of surgery was founded, and in 1769, Louis XV ordered the construction of a dedicated school. It is the first school building in France designed specifically for medical use, paving the way for the medical schools that would later develop. The museum, opened in 1954, presents there the history of medical knowledge and practices.

What there is to see

The museum keeps a rich collection of old instruments, displayed in a room with a listed decor. There you discover the evolution of surgery and medicine through the centuries, in a remarkable heritage setting. The colonnaded façade of the old School of Surgery alone deserves a look, a witness to Enlightenment architecture.

Practical information

The Museum of the History of Medicine is on Rue de l'École-de-Médecine, in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, within Paris Cité University. It can be visited according to its own schedule; opening times and access conditions may vary. It is best to check before visiting.

What does the Museum of the History of Medicine present?

It presents a rich collection of old instruments and retraces the history of surgery and medicine, in the old School of Surgery. The museum opened in 1954.

Why is the School of Surgery important?

Built by order of Louis XV in 1769, it is the first school building in France designed specifically for medical use, paving the way for medical schools.