The Pennsylvania Hospital Museum is a 3-floor medical marvel where you can step back in time. And there are many highlights throughout.
"This is our surgical amphitheater, and this room was in use from 1804 through 1868," says Stacey Peeples, Curator-Lead Archivist at Pennsylvania Hospital.
It provides visitors with a glimpse into the hospital's history.
"Pennsylvania Hospital was chartered on May 11, 1751," says Peeples. "It was the idea of a man named Dr. Thomas Bond."
The other co-founder was none other than Philly's favorite son, Benjamin Franklin.
"It really encompasses the entire 275 years," she says. "Because this building has always been a working hospital."
There are many items on view, including medical instruments and documents.
And it's full of firsts.
"Pennsylvania Hospital is the first chartered hospital in the nation," she says. "The first medical library in the nation. We are also the first surgical amphitheater."
There are 8 sections to explore, starting with 'Origins of Care' on the first floor. There is a room on 'Hospital History' where you can see the evolution from the beginning up to modern day.
"So when we join the University of Pennsylvania Health System in 1997," she says.
Across the hall is the original Apothecary.
"We're going to talk about those plants and herbs, that early medicine, how that was developed," she says.
You'll learn about the hospital's accomplishments and perseverance through epidemics.
"Smallpox, yellow fever, HIV/AIDS, COVID," she says. "And then also how we cared for patients who were involved in any sort of military conflicts."
The second floor's historic library used to be the medical library for physicians.
"So we have over 13,000 volumes in our rare books here. They date anywhere between 1483 and about the 1930s, early 20th century," she says.
The hospital's pioneering work is evident in rooms covering 'Psychiatry and Behavioral Health' and 'Women's Health.'
"First baby was born here in 1765. We average now over 5,000 births per year," she says. "1803 is when the maternity ward is actually established and obstetrics becomes the very first specialty here at the hospital."
You can immerse yourself in innovation in the skylit surgical amphitheater.
"We have Philip Syng Physick's tonsil guillotine, there's a cupping set," she says. "And there is, of course, an amputating kit in there."
Visitors can take a self-guided look or book a tour.
"This has always been for the people here," she says. "That history is really an important part of what we do and pushes us to be better."
The Pennsylvania Hospital Museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pennsylvania Hospital Museum | Tickets
800 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107