The Mütter Museum’s Ethical Drama

The Mütter is Philly’s iconic medical history museum. More than 100,000 visitors come every year to see displays like Albert Einstein's brain or an enormous human colon. But these exhibits involve real remains, many obtained years ago through grave robbing or other shady practices. Now, the museum is taking a new look at whether their display is ethical. Reexamining the collection, however, has sparked a backlash from the museum's fans. City Cast Philly’s Laura Benshoff talks with Malcolm Burnley, freelance reporter for Philadelphia Magazine, about the controversy and why many museums are changing their approach to exhibiting human remains right now. Correction: In this episode, our guest says the museum is still reevaluating its online content involving human remains, and putting some of it back online. Executive Director Kate Quinn recently told WHYY that they have finished this process and re-uploaded all of the displays that they plan to. Check out Malcolm's Philadelphia Magazine story on the Mütter Museum here. RSVP to the Mütter Museum's Town Hall on October 17 here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Philly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.