[DiamondSmiles]

If you're looking for sideshow sensationalism, head elsewhere. But anyone curious to check out unique and unusual anatomical specimens minus the tabloid treatment will be grateful for the existence of the Mütter Museum, Philadelphia's long-running institution dedicated to exploring the condition of humanity through its collection of more than 20,000 clinical oddities.

At a glance it might look like "Ripley's Believe It or Not": skeletons of conjoined twins, folks with elephantiasis, babies eerily floating in jars, a slice of Albert Einstein's brain. And indeed, many of the people here were no doubt subject to gawking ridicule in their lifetimes.

But it's no freak show. The Mütter is that most unusual of museums that can acknowledge the awe of its collections without robbing them of their humanity. You can, and will, stare, but you will never forget that you're staring at a person. Of all the museums you've visited or are likely to, this could be the most surprising and memorable.

At the Mütter, the approach to objects such as conjoined twins or preserved tumors is respectful and, above all, humane. In keeping with the mission of Dr. Thomas Dent Mütter, who donated his collection in 1858, the intent is to educate rather than objectify. And like the specimens on view, the Mütter is more than the sum of its, um, parts.

"What the college is most proud of is not any specific item or thing, but rather what each individual leaves with -- we give people the opportunity to explore what it means to be human in a disturbingly informative way," says J. Nathan Bazzel, director of communications for the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, which oversees the museum.

"One can hear a doctor speak about heart disease or a form of cancer," Bazzel continues, "but to see it in person, to imagine the life of the individual who suffered with the condition, helps us to better understand the word compassion."

People may be surprised by the emotional component of some of the museum's most famous exhibits. Specimens including the Soap Lady, whose skin took on a waxy cast after death; preserved fetuses; and the thorax of President Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth, provide historical perspective and challenge the viewer on an emotional level, which Bazzel explains was always part of the museum's mission.

Mütter, he says, was interested in the European approach to medicine, which involved treating the patient as well as the disease; by contrast, the American model at the time limited its view to the affliction. "[Mütter] wanted to establish a teaching collection that would help teach empathy and compassion, as well as the clinical necessities of the disease," says Bazzel.

The museum's increasing popularity is a testament to the success of its mission. Last year, 117,323 visitors came to view the collection, a spike that can be partly attributed to the recent acquisition of samples of Einstein's brain. In early 2013, the college also plans to open a new exhibit that describes its involvement in medical policy and procedure during the Civil War.

"I can visit any major city in the nation and see a wonderful art museum, a zoo, historical sights, hear a symphony -- but there are very few places in the world [where] I can visit a place like the Mütter," Bazzel says.

"We are one of a very rare group of museums. We have tried to hold to our founder's original intent, and to help teach the public -- as well as medical students and professionals -- the true, awe-inspiring reality of human existence."

Photo shows partial wall of various skeleton heads.

[lovelytenshi]

I want to go there someday, I love science and Philly cheese steak sammiches!!

[oreon333]

[pim]

i been there it was awesome

[Sharon]

The Mutter Museum, from looking at this and all your other threads on it I REALLY want to go there now!!!!