Visitors to Chicago are invited to explore the intriguing evolution of a rich and complex discipline at the International Museum of Surgical Science.  We offer fascinating exhibits from around the world that trace the history of surgery from the earliest practice of a brutal craft to today’s revolutionary techniques.

Housed in a historic mansion on Lake Shore Drive, the Museum spans the history of surgery by means of art, books, medical instruments and artifacts. Four floors of exhibits showcase various aspects of medical history from skull trepanning to cardiovascular surgery. Our collection appeals to anyone interested in history, art, science and architecture.

ADDRESS
1524 N. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60610 USA
312.642.6502
fax 312.642.9516
www.imss.org

HOURS
May - September:
Tuesday through Sunday
10am - 4pm

October - April:
Tuesday through Saturday
10am - 4pm

 

Directions via public transportation

The Museum is easily accessible by bus or train.

• The CTA bus #151 stops at North Avenue, half a block north of the Museum.
• From the Clark/Division stop of the Red Line elevated train walk east on Division until you reach Lake Shore Drive. Turn north and walk a few blocks to the Museum.
• From the Sedgwick stop of the Brown Line and Purple Line Express elevated train, walk east on North Avenue until you reach Lake Shore Drive. Turn south and walk a block to the Museum.

For train and bus schedules call the RTA/CTA at 312-836-7000.

Directions by car

Going NORTH on Lake Shore Drive:

• Exit at the LaSalle/North Ave. Exit.
• Take a left off the ramp. Take another left onto Southbound Local Lake Shore Drive. The Museum is on the first block, on the right.

Going SOUTH on Lake Shore Drive:

• Exit at the LaSalle/North Ave. Exit.
• From the ramp go straight through the light onto the Southbound Local Lake Shore Drive. The Museum is on the first block, on the right.

From the Kennedy Expressway:

• Exit at the North Ave Exit. Travel east on North Ave.
• Turn right on State Street.
• Turn left on Burton. Burton ends at Lake Shore Drive, turn left.
• The Museum is on the first block on the left.

From the Dan Ryan:

• Take the Dan Ryan North to the Kennedy Expressway. Exit at North Ave.
• Travel east on North Ave.
• Turn right on State Street.
• Turn left on Burton. Burton ends at Lake Shore Drive, turn left.
• The Museum is on the first block on the left.

Parking is available at the following G.O. Parking facilities located in condominium buildings only a few blocks away from the Museum:

1445 N. State
1350 N. Lake Shore Drive