Surgeons' Hall Museums, Edinburgh

Owned by The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd), Surgeons' Hall Museums (SHM) incorporate the Wohl Pathology Museum, the History of Surgery Museum, and The Dental Collection.

The RCSEd was established in 1505 and saw its museums' collections grow significantly from 1699 after “natural and artificial curiosities” were publicly sought. In the 1800s, the original collection expanded to embrace the remarkable items garnered over the years by prominent surgeons and anatomists, Sir Charles Bell and John Barclay.

Originally envisioned as a teaching institution for medical students, SHM have among their exhibits a wealth of bone and tissue specimens, plus numerous artefacts and works of art. Open to the public since 1832, SHM are among Scotland's oldest museums. The Wohl Pathology Museum is also home to one of the largest and most historic collections of surgical pathology in the world.

SHM also exhibit interpretation that inspires public engagement through interactive computer simulation, audience participation devices, film and user-friendly textual explanation and encourages them to think about health and well-being.