Medizinmuseum Davos

About the museum

Around the middle of the 19th century, rural doctor Alexander Spengler recognized the healing effect of Davos's high-altitude climate. From 1865, Davos developed into the most important and largest health resort for lung patients in Europe; in 1918 there were 38 sanatoriums and clinics here. This era, which lasted into the 1950s, is the focus of the Medizinmuseum.

The museum is supported by the foundation “Dokumentation der medizinischen wissenschaftlichen Entwicklung”, which was established on November 6, 1988, to research and publicly present evidence of Davos's medical history. Its founders included doctors, the municipality of Davos and Davos Tourismus. The first exhibition opened on December 3, 1999; since then more than twenty themed exhibitions have been shown.

The medical-historical collection comprises over 500 devices, instruments and documents from Davos sanatoriums and clinics, a large part of which is kept in storage. Information boards and historical photographs explain the milestones of tuberculosis treatment, and at several stations visitors can try things out for themselves. The museum is located on the Promenade in Davos Platz, in the same building as the Wintersportmuseum; one admission covers both exhibitions.

Highlights

• History of Davos as the largest health resort for lung patients in Europe
• Milestones of tuberculosis treatment
• Medical devices and instruments from the first sanatoriums
• Photographs from the sanatorium era
• Stations to try out yourself
• Joint admission with the Wintersportmuseum in the same building

Permanent exhibition

• Geschichte der Medizin und des Kurortes Davos – Information boards, photographs and medical devices from the first sanatoriums show how Davos became a health resort and how tuberculosis was treated between 1874 and 1946.

Founded

1999

Operated by

Stiftung „Dokumentation der medizinischen wissenschaftlichen Entwicklung“

Admission & discounts

Admission covers the Medizinmuseum and the Wintersportmuseum Davos in the same building. Payment in cash or by Twint.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is wheelchair-accessible.

Kids & families

• Hands-on stations

At several stations, visitors can try out for themselves how the devices worked.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on the Promenade in the center of Davos Platz, in the same building as the Wintersportmuseum.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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