Humanembryologische Dokumentationssammlung Blechschmidt
Publicly accessible series of large embryo models in the basement of the Anatomy Center of the University Medical Center Göttingen.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The anatomist Erich Blechschmidt (1904–1992) headed the Anatomical Institute in Göttingen from 1952 to 1973. Between the 1940s and the early 1970s he built up an embryological research and teaching collection intended to give students spatial impressions of the body structure of the early human.
The collection consists of two parts: more than 200 series of microscopically thin tissue sections of embryos and early fetuses, and just over 60 greatly enlarged plastic models. These replicas were made in the 1950s and 1960s from the section series using a laborious reconstruction process; each model is a unique piece and about 65 to 75 centimeters tall.
The models are displayed in their own exhibition room in the basement of the Anatomy Center and are arranged by developmental age, so that the transformation of the embryonic form can be followed stage by stage. Today the collection is used mainly in teaching and in the continuing education of medical professionals; the section series continue to serve research. Because of the sensitive origin of the specimens, a research project examined the history of the collection between 2017 and 2019.
Highlights
- Just over 60 large-format embryo models, each 65–75 cm tall
- Models arranged chronologically by developmental stage
- More than 200 histological section series of human embryos
- Own exhibition room in the basement of the Anatomy Center
Permanent exhibition
- Embryonenmodelle der Sammlung Blechschmidt – Enlarged replicas of human embryos and individual organs from different stages of development, arranged by age.
- Operated by
- Universitätsmedizin Göttingen (Zentrum Anatomie)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
By public transit
Blauer Turm · 2-min walk
From the train station/ZOB by city bus lines 10 and 12 to the "Blauer Turm" stop on Kreuzbergring; from there follow the road for about 2 minutes (crossing one traffic light) to the sign pointing to the side entrance.
By car
Parking available
Small car park next to the building; the driveway is about 100 m past the entrance area on the right. The side entrance is located directly at the car park.
By car via the A7, exit Göttingen-Nord (No. 72), toward Göttingen-Weende/Braunlage until the B27, where you turn right toward Eschwege; after 1.7 km turn left at the 4th traffic light onto Kreuzbergring; after about 500 m the Anatomy Center is on the right (glass front in the entrance area).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours by arrangement with the collection's curator (Priv.-Doz. Dr. Jörg Männer). |
