Explore the collection
The museum houses many common medical instruments, equipment and also rare and one-of-a-kind objects that may not be accessible elsewhere. We provide opportunities to learn about these objects both digitally and in person.
Aspects of the development and past use of some objects reflect prejudices of the era, which may cause offense, or upset. This is not condoned by The University of Manchester, but we are committed to providing access to this material as evidence of attitudes of the time period.
There are several ways to explore our incredible collection of medical artefacts:
- Get up close to a curated selection of objects by visiting the Instruments of Change exhibition at The University of Manchester’s Stopford Building. You can also access a digital version of Instruments of Change through the University’s Manchester Digital Exhibitions website.
- View high-quality digital images of a selection of objects and printed materials from the collection on the Manchester Digital Collections website.
- Our ‘A History of Medicine’ educational resource links museum objects with themes from the National Curriculum. It features questions and answers and other activities to encourage pupils to learn about the objects. Please get in touch for more information about this resource.
- The Historical Medical Equipment Society has published several journal articles which focus on some of the objects from the collection.
- View The Historical Medical Equipment Society Bulletin No. 37, 2022.
- For more information and to enquire about accessing journal articles please get in touch.
To request access to more of the museum collection for study please contact us.
Access is by appointment only and priority is given to the University’s community of staff and students. Researcher visits can also often be accommodated with prior notice.
