Mutter Museum551

The Mutter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, part of the oldest medical society in the nation, seems to absolutely fascinate kids with a predilection for the odd and macabre...or future physicians. Its collection of more than 20,000 objects features fluid-preserved anatomical and pathological specimens, medical instruments, anatomical and pathological models, items of memorabilia of famous scientists and physicians, and medical illustrations.

Highlights of the museum include the exhumed body a woman whose fat condensed down into soap, the largest human skeleton on display in North America, and the skull cabinet where 139 human skulls are identified with their previous owner's name and what happened to them!

Guided tours are available by appointment only for groups of 10 or more, booked at least two weeks in advance. The tours are given by trained volunteers and include an in depth overview of the history of the museum and its collection. Visit the website for more information.

There is a gift shop located inside the museum that sells everything a Mutter fan could need: snotty-nose key chains, growing brains, and t-shirts with emblazoned with skeletons. The museum also offers a great medicinal plant garden that's perfect for enjoying for packed lunch.

Check out the Mutter website for more "disturbingly informative" items. Restrooms are located near the entrance but do not have diaper-changing facilities.