Estonia Science Museums - Estonian Health Care Museum

[2009-02-27]

About us:

Estonian Health Care Museum was established in 1921, and the museum was opened at the initiative of the doctors of the Tartu University in 1924. The basis for the many-sided activities of EHCM was mainly the enthusiasm of doctor Sumberg, the manager of the museum, and his skill to organise the best doctors to work for the museum. The museum had scientific committees that were responsible for expanding and developing of the display. In addition to the permanent display the museum also organised exhibitions throughout the country.
In 1928 a department of the museum was established in Tallinn, which was opened in 1932.
In 1950s the museum was closed. The exhibits were destroyed in a vandalistic manner. Waxwork was melted, copper items were sold as scrap metal. Some exhibits were simply stolen.
The museum was reopened on the premises of Tallinn Medical School in 1980.From 1989 Estonian Health Care Museum is located in Lai street.
Estonian Health Care Museum collects materials relating to the history of medicine in Estonia (photographs, publications, documents, various objects).
Since its opening, the museum has been different from a traditional museum, which deal mostly with collecting and displaying of old items. An important feature of the work of the museum is human studies and educating the visitors regarding healthy life style. This is being done with the help of modern moulages, interactive exhibits and topical exhibitions. Apart from the permanent exhibition other exhibitions are organised. These include history of medicine, medical equipment, technical equipment for disabled people and also art exhibitions.
From 2000 the museum employs an educational specialist whose lectures help the visitors to understand the exhibits better and who is able to deliver lectures on various topics: anatomy, evolution, first aid, drug abuse, venereal diseases, etc. It is also possible to see videos on the said topics.

Address:

Eesti Tervishoiu Muuseum
Lai 28/30,
Tallinn 10133

Contact us:

Tel.: +372.6411.730
Fax: +372.6411.886
E-mail: thm [AT] hot.ee
Web: http://www.tervishoiumuuseum.ee