National Museum Of Health & Medicine

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  • Address
    6825 16th St NW, Walter Reed Army Medical Center Bldg 54, Upper Northwest DC
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  • Phone
    782 2200
  • Website
  • Transport
    underground rail: Takoma

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Lonely Planet review

Forensics junkies love this 'Library of Congress of the dead,' as described by science writer Gina Kolata, which contains both straightforward scientific exhibits and freakish medical oddities. You'll find cannonball-shredded leg bones removed from Civil War soldiers, the bullet that killed Lincoln and fragments of his shattered skull, President Garfield's spinal column, and many other preserved body parts on display.

The temporary exhibits are eclectic, sometimes downright bizarre, but never dull. Recent shows included an exhibition commemorating the 125th anniversary of the assassination of James Garfield, the nation's 20th (and rather obscure) president. Visitors can also see antique microscopes and surgical instruments as well as exhibits on renowned scientists and research initiatives.