A rare anatomy museum

Kasturba Medical College (KMC) in Manipal, affiliated to the Manipal University, has a popular museum called the Museum of Anatomy and Pathology (MAP).

It is said to be one of the largest museums of its kind in Asia. The Museum was initially conceived for the benefit of students and medical professionals. It opened its doors to the public in 1954.  Located near the town’s main bus terminus, the Museum has become a tourist landmark since then.

Dr S S Godbole, a renowned anatomist and the first Anatomy professor of KMC, conceptualised the Museum and developed it gradually. It is said that Dr Godbole painstakingly collected hundreds of rare anatomical specimens for display at the Museum. The collection has been well preserved for the past 60 years.

The specimens are arranged in two separate sections — Anatomy and Pathology. Started with about 700 specimens, today the Museum has more than 3,000 samples of human and animal body parts including skulls of elephant and whale, and the skeleton of king cobra.

The Museum’s Pathology section has specimens of diseased organs of the human body, animal carcasses and bones. The exhibits of the Museum are known for their usefulness in the larger perspective of anatomical and pathological studies. There is also a section on lifestyle-related diseases and their impact on the body. The Museum was revamped and renamed as the Museum of Anatomy and Pathology in 2012. The Museum is open from 8 am to 6 pm on all days, except public holidays.