Indiana Medical History Museum - Indianapolis, Indiana

Tonya L.

An amazingly preserved building with so many original artifacts. I liked sitting in the teaching theater, reading the stories behind each of the brain specimens, peering around the autopsy room, and marveling at the beautiful wood and tile cabinets. Great guided tour - I just wished for more time to look around before going onto the next room. You get to go into almost every single room upstairs and downstairs!

Candace R.

Absolutely amazing experience. This site is beautiful esthetically and filled with such rich history. Anyone will find this information interesting, and especially those who have a passion for medicine and mental health. Our docent, Josie, was knowledgeable and so personable. You could see in her presentation that she has such passion for the facility's history and was a fabulous presenter. I could have spent days reading all the anecdotes, viewing the preserved specimens, and appreciating the artistic style of the building. One hour went by in a flash! We were passing through Indy on a road trip, and this was the only landmark we visited. Zero regrets. 100/10 will return again.

Aunty F.

First of all, you need to make an appointment to tour this place. David, our tour guide and board member, was wonderful. Made my husband's and my experience exceptional. It was a very knowledgeable and one-of-a-kind experience. They also have a medicinal garden that explains what certain plants were used for back in the day.

Terry I.

This place was absolutely fascinating. Apparently, it's quite the hidden gem since no one that I talked to who lives in Indianapolis even knew it existed. I'm thankful that Google local guides gave it such glowing reviews. I'm going to add my glowing review as well.

The tour guide I had was truly knowledgeable. He took extra time and was really great at answering questions.

So much history has been remarkably well preserved. The architecture was very functional and they explain all of that to you. Some of it is pretty macabre, but my wife is a trauma nurse and said she could've spent another 10 to 20 hours in there, and way more if they'd actually let you read the books.

The autopsy table, the death room, the lecture hall, the chemical production room, so much stuff they did back then is still in use today, it's just much easier to do now.

There are brains and pieces of brains in jars, with the tumors and such clearly described.

It was easy to get to, had plenty of parking, and even a garden of medicinal plants that have little tags by them explaining what they were used for.

Appointments are required. There is a flight of stairs, and they are old stairs with at least one 90 degree turn in them, so probably not wheelchair friendly.

This was definitely worth visiting and I'll go again next time I'm in town if I have enough time to spare. So worth it.

Taylor J.

This was so disappointing.
It's really not a museum of medical history but just a history of pathology.
They have some interesting samples preserved of mostly brains in the front lobby where you are asked to wait for the tour to start. Keep in mind you only get 10 minutes to look as the tours are reservation only and that's the earliest you can get in.
Our tour guide just rambled when our group was clearly not interested in what he was talking about. We were all made to just kind of stand around the rooms while he talked and I would have liked to look around at all the artifacts in the room. He just gave a very bland history lesson and then ushered us quickly to next room.
When the guided tour is over you walk down the stairs to an open door and they just shove everyone out and immediately lock the door!
You get no opportunity to revisit a room. I would have liked to read more of the stories on the brains in the lobby at the very least. I mean they are donated from real people it would be respectful to give them an opportunity to be looked at properly.
Unless you are genuinely interested in the history of that specific pathology building don't waste your time.

Yashica D.

A really neat museum explaining the history of medical and psychological studies done there. Many specimens on display dated back almost to the beginning. Original books and equipment on display throughout. Tour lasted an hour and cost $10. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Would recommend checking this place if you have an interest in the medical world.

Patti S.

I saw the museum on a map while planning a long weekend visit to Indianapolis. Our daughter is a pharmacy student, so we thought the museum would be interesting. We are so glad we went! The building is beautiful, the exhibits were fascinating, and our guide Jacob did a wonderful job. Highly recommend!

Grace C.

Sam took care of us and made it a wonderful experience. Very knowledgeable and friendly. I will be back