Museum of Wax Moulages

About

The Museum of Wax Moulages is one of Zürich’s most unusual and scientifically significant collections, hidden within the University Hospital complex. Founded in 1917, it preserves the tradition of medical wax modelling — a craft once essential for teaching dermatology before photography and digital imaging. Each moulage is a hyper‑realistic, hand‑painted wax reproduction of a medical condition, created with extraordinary precision to document diseases exactly as they appeared. Inside, visitors encounter more than 1,200 moulages, ranging from historical cases of smallpox and tuberculosis to rare skin disorders and surgical conditions. The level of detail is astonishing: pores, veins, textures, and colour gradients are reproduced so faithfully that the models still serve as reference material for medical students today. The museum also displays the tools and pigments used by early moulage artists, revealing the meticulous craftsmanship behind each piece. A particularly interesting aspect is the historical context — the collection captures diseases that have since become rare or eradicated, offering a visual record of medical history. Compact, quiet, and intellectually striking, the Museum of Wax Moulages provides a rare glimpse into the intersection of art, science, and medical education.

Zürich Switzerland

Location

The Museum of Wax Moulages, or Moulagenmuseum, is located at Haldenbachstrasse 14 on the grounds of the University Hospital Zürich. It sits in the university district of Zürichberg, just uphill from the city center. You’re in Zürich’s university and hospital quarter. A 5-minute walk downhill brings you to the ETH Zürich and University of Zürich main buildings. The ETH terrace offers one of the best panoramic views over the Old Town, Lake Zürich, and the Alps. Ride the historic Polybahn funicular from Central for a quick trip up or down. From here it’s 10 minutes on foot to Zürich’s Old Town. Explore Niederdorf’s narrow alleys, visit Grossmünster with its twin towers, and see Chagall’s stained glass at Fraumünster. The Limmat River runs through the area with plenty of bridges and riverside cafés. Bahnhofstrasse, Zürich’s luxury shopping street, starts near Central and runs to the lake in 15 minutes. At the lake, Bürkliplatz is the departure point for boat cruises and the start of the scenic lakeside promenade.