Marks-Hirschfeld Museum of Medical History

Marks-Hirschfeld Museum of Medical History offers a distinctive look at how medicine has developed through the objects people used to diagnose, treat and understand illness. Its collection contains more than 8,000 items, bringing together equipment and artefacts that reflect the fear, ingenuity, hope and care associated with medical practice. The exhibitions include Queensland’s first x-ray machine, a roughly century-old embalming pump and an early gastroscope, giving visitors plenty of unusual details to discover.

Located in the historic Mayne Medical School Building, the museum is a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in medicine, science, social history or the University of Queensland’s heritage. It is free to enter and designed for a self-guided visit, so you can take your time with the displays rather than following a fixed tour. The material is likely to appeal to curious adults, students and families with older children, particularly those who enjoy collections that reveal how technology and professional practice have changed. Listed in Chermside, Brisbane, it provides an accessible cultural outing with a subject matter that is both fascinating and confronting.