Morbid Anatomy Museum

A museum dedicated to the study of anatomical art and artifacts

The Morbid Anatomy Museum was a cultural institution located in the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City. It was dedicated to the exploration of the intersections between art, medicine, and death. The museum was known for its unique collection of artifacts, books, and artworks that focused on the themes of morbid anatomy, death, and medical history.

History

The Morbid Anatomy Museum was founded by Joanna Ebenstein, who initially started the project as a blog and a library in 2008. The museum itself opened its doors to the public in June 2014. It was housed in a 4,200-square-foot building designed to resemble a 19th-century cabinet of curiosities.

The museum quickly became a hub for those interested in the macabre and the unusual, offering a range of exhibitions, lectures, and workshops. It attracted a diverse audience, including artists, historians, medical professionals, and the general public.

Exhibitions and Collections

The Morbid Anatomy Museum featured a variety of exhibitions that explored different aspects of death, medicine, and the human body. The museum's collection included anatomical models, medical instruments, taxidermy specimens, and photographs.

The exterior of the Morbid Anatomy Museum

One of the museum's notable exhibitions was "The Art of Mourning," which showcased mourning attire, jewelry, and other artifacts related to the rituals of death and remembrance. Another popular exhibition was "The Anatomical Venus," which focused on wax models used for medical education in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Programs and Events

The museum was known for its engaging public programs, which included lectures, film screenings, and workshops. These events often featured experts in the fields of medical history, art history, and anthropology.

Workshops offered by the museum included taxidermy classes, memento mori jewelry making, and lectures on the history of funerary practices. These programs provided hands-on experiences and in-depth knowledge about the cultural and historical aspects of death and anatomy.

Closure

Despite its popularity and unique offerings, the Morbid Anatomy Museum faced financial difficulties and closed its doors in December 2016. The closure was a significant loss to the community of enthusiasts and scholars interested in the intersection of art and medical history.

Legacy

Although the physical museum is no longer operational, the spirit of the Morbid Anatomy Museum lives on through its online presence and the continued work of its founder, Joanna Ebenstein. The museum's blog and social media channels continue to share content related to its original mission.

Related pages

• Anatomical museum
• Medical museum
• Cabinet of curiosities
• Taxidermy