Museums of medicine in Europe - architecture, history, identity

Museums of medicine are important centres for cultivating the history of medicine, its development over the centuries, but also the hospitals where breakthroughs were made and the people who contributed to them. The aim of the research was to characterize contemporary museums in terms of architecture, history and identity. The research area covered all of Europe. Statistical and quantitative research was used to determine the number and profiles of medical museums in Europe. The case study with in-situ research included 20 museums representing different profiles. A total of 279 museums were identified in 36 countries, which fall into groups with one of 6 profiles. They may focus on the general history of medicine, on anatomy, on pharmacy, on a particular hospital, on a person associated with medicine, or on a particular specialty or issue. Many of the museums surveyed have extensive attractions for different age groups, both on-site and online. Medical museums are also an excellent example of preserving valuable architectural heritage by giving a new function to disused hospitals in connection with their original medical function. This makes the story of medical history more authentic and attractive by strengthening local identity. Modern museums are taking advantage of modern technology by enriching their offerings and increasing accessibility to the content they present.