Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai Medical Museum

Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai Medical Museum in Universiti Malaya, newly renovated and transformed, combines two significant medical collections: the Anatomy Resource Centre and the Pathology Museum, into an interactive educational space. Home to one of the country’s most extensive collections of human specimens, along with cutting-edge exhibits, the museum bridges traditional medical knowledge with modern learning techniques. This medical museum is a key part of Universiti Malaya’s goal to become a global leader in medical education, serving not only as a knowledge hub but also as a symbol of the evolution and impact of medical science and healthcare.

Open to the public, the museum features a variety of interactive displays, including a section dedicated to Dr Lim and his health philosophies. It also aims to collaborate with educational and community groups to provide an insightful experience on topics such as the human body, diseases, medical practices, and the development of healthcare.

Located within UM’s medical faculty, this museum is Malaysia’s only public collection of diseased human specimens, offering a rare chance for visitors to witness the vulnerability of the human body. The exhibits include preserved organs affected by cancer, parasitic infections, and syphilis, as well as foetuses at different stages of development, revealing the complexity of human gestation. Some of the more striking specimens include:

• Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) Infant – A preserved infant with a hole in the diaphragm, causing organs to shift and compress the lungs.

• Sirenomelia (Mermaid Syndrome) Baby – A foetus with fused legs, a rare and often fatal condition.

• Anencephaly Specimen – A baby born without parts of the brain and skull due to neural tube defects.

• Liver Infested with Worms – A rare specimen showing parasitic worms consuming the liver.

• Heart Destroyed by Syphilis – A stark example of the severe effects of untreated syphilis.

• Massive Ovarian Tumour – A large tumour specimen, including one removed from a child.

• Horseshoe Kidney – A congenital condition where the kidneys are fused together, forming a U-shape.

The museum is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the last entry at 3:30 PM. Admission is free until May 31, 2025, and the museum is wheelchair accessible. If you plan to visit with a wheelchair, please contact them in advance so arrangements can be made for a drop-off point. The museum is recommended for visitors aged seven and older. Children under seven must be accompanied by an adult.

Photography and filming are prohibited in the main exhibition area to honor the individuals represented in the collections. However, visitors are welcome to take photos at the museum counter, in the interactive learning area, the gallery, or in any other zones where there are no human specimens.

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