Bone Museum
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Bone Museum

4.8
·644 reviews·, United States

Explore a fascinating collection of real human bones, showcasing medical history, pathologies, and unique stories.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal

CrowdLow
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Bone Museum

Bone Museum

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a fascinating collection of real human bones, showcasing medical history, pathologies, and unique stories. TikTok

4.8
(644 reviews)

"A particular and unique must-see that exceeded expectations with its organized content and available staff. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Photo-Friendly Space

Capture all the fascinating exhibits! Photography and videography are generally allowed, so bring your camera.

🐱 Meet Bone Jovi!

Keep an eye out for the museum's resident cat, Bone Jovi. He's a highlight for many visitors!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Human Osteology Collection

Human Osteology Collection

Explore a vast array of real human bones, showcasing pathologies, traumas, and historical medical practices up close.

Reddit
Interactive QR Code Videos

Interactive QR Code Videos

Enhance your understanding with engaging video content accessible via QR codes, offering deeper insights into exhibits.

Reddit
Bone Jovi, the Museum Cat

Bone Jovi, the Museum Cat

Meet the beloved resident cat, Bone Jovi, who often roams the museum and adds a unique charm to the visitor experience.

Reddit
Victorian Era Skeletons

Victorian Era Skeletons

Discover skeletons that tell stories of historical practices like tight-lacing corsets, offering a glimpse into past lives.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

While walk-in tickets are available, booking online ensures your spot, especially for special events. Many visitors recommend buying tickets in advance via the website to avoid any last-minute hassle. Reddit

Allocate Enough Time

Don't underestimate the Bone Museum's depth! What appears small can take nearly two hours to explore thoroughly, especially if you engage with the QR code videos and read all descriptions. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This Sunday, July 20th, we’re hosting a very special event at The Bone Museum. Johnny—who underwent a below-the-knee amputation in 2015 and made the extraordinary decision to have his leg skeletonized—will be joining us in person to share his story of resilience, transformation, and reclaiming one’s narrative. We’re honored to have both Johnny and his actual leg on display in the museum as part of...
@bonemuseum
253.1K likes • 3.1M views

📸 Photo-Friendly Space

Capture all the fascinating exhibits! Photography and videography are generally allowed, so bring your camera. Reddit

🐱 Meet Bone Jovi!

Keep an eye out for the museum's resident cat, Bone Jovi. He's a highlight for many visitors! Reddit

thought we left jonsbones behind with the pandemic era tiktok dances #greenscreen @The Bone Museum #museumtok #oddities #bones
@morgan.howls
127K likes • 1.1M views
Bone Jovi update. Before he ever joined us, his previous owner made a whole booklet about him back in 2023. Four months ago he arrived at The Bone Museum, settled in like he’d always belonged here, and has quietly become our guardian-in-residence. Now he naps between exhibits, inspects guests like a tiny curator, and feels like part of our story. We’re lucky to have him.” 🐾💀📖
@bonemuseum
134.2K likes • 785.8K views

📚 Dive into Descriptions

Read the detailed descriptions; they're informative and well-written, enriching the experience. Reddit

💡 Ask the Staff

The staff are knowledgeable and happy to share more information about the exhibits. Reddit

Where did the bones come from? 🦴 That’s one of the biggest questions we work to answer at The Bone Museum. To trace the history of the medical bone trade, we dive deep into old medical supply catalogs, like those from Denoyer-Geppert, a company that once sold real human skeletons to medical schools and universities. These catalogs help us map out the timeline of how bones were sourced, distributed...
@bonemuseum
58.7K likes • 701.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Photo-Friendly Space

Capture all the fascinating exhibits! Photography and videography are generally allowed, so bring your camera. Reddit

🐱 Meet Bone Jovi!

Keep an eye out for the museum's resident cat, Bone Jovi. He's a highlight for many visitors! Reddit

📚 Dive into Descriptions

Read the detailed descriptions; they're informative and well-written, enriching the experience. Reddit

💡 Ask the Staff

The staff are knowledgeable and happy to share more information about the exhibits. Reddit

🛍️ Check the Gift Shop

Don't miss the unique items in the gift shop – it's worth a browse! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(644 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise The Bone Museum for its unique and educational exhibits, highlighting the extensive collection of real human bones and the engaging interactive QR code videos. The friendly staff and the charming resident cat, Bone Jovi, add to the positive experience, making it a memorable and highly recommended destination for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. Reddit+2

"It was an amazing experience. As a science nerd, it was great to be able to see real human bones up close.
Also, if you are not a fan of reading, they provide QR codes so you can watch a video about the piece; but reading was just fine for me.
You are able to take as many photos and videos you’d like. Staff is super friendly and they’re willing to help and share more information if you ask. However, my favorite staff member was Bone Jovi 🐱
We bought our tickets in advance in the website, but you can also come in and buy them in the museum.
Also, they have really cool stuff in the gift shop; do take the time to check it out."

SaturnBoy

"I visited for the first time today and it was a really cool experience. The size of the museum is deceiving. It took me almost 2 hours to see and read everything. I also really enjoyed the interactive QR code videos further explaining the exhibits. Also, Bone Jovi the cat made an appearance which was a nice treat!"

D B

"Definitely a must see for NYC visitors who don't wanna go to a super touristy museum. There was maybe 5 other people there and the museum cat Bone Jovey is probably the best part of the visit. The bones are so cool and the open air exhibits make it so you can get up close and personal to really inspect the skeletons. 10/10 would recommend!!"

Amanda Wrenn

What People Like

Real human bones
Interactive QR videos
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

Can be intense for some

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Bone Museum is located in Brooklyn, New York. Many visitors find it accessible via public transportation. TikTok creators have shared step-by-step guides to help visitors navigate their way to the museum, ensuring a smooth journey. TikTok

Yes, the museum provides clear directions and has shared guides on how to find it, making the trip straightforward. TikTok

Public transportation is a common and recommended method for reaching The Bone Museum. Check local transit maps for the most convenient routes to the Brooklyn area. TikTok

Information on parking availability can vary. It's advisable to check local parking apps or websites for options near the museum's location in Brooklyn. TikTok

Absolutely! The Bone Museum is a unique attraction that can be a central part of a Brooklyn day trip. Consider pairing it with nearby attractions like Green-Wood Cemetery for a full day of exploration. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets can be purchased in advance on the museum's website or at the door. While specific pricing isn't detailed in all sources, visitors confirm that advance purchase is recommended. Reddit

Yes, you can buy tickets upon arrival at the museum. However, booking online beforehand is often suggested to secure your entry. Reddit

The Bone Museum occasionally hosts special events, such as talks with individuals who have unique stories related to their skeletons, or themed evenings. Keep an eye on their announcements for upcoming events. TikTok

The museum is open for visitors, and it's best to check their official website or social media for the most current operating hours before your visit. TikTok

Refund policies typically depend on the terms and conditions set by the museum at the time of purchase. It's advisable to review these policies when buying your tickets online. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Bone Museum features an extensive collection of real human bones, showcasing various pathologies, traumas, and historical medical artifacts. You can see skulls with gigantism, evidence of diseases like leprosy and syphilis, and even skeletons from the Victorian era. TikTok+2

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos and videos inside the museum, making it a great spot for content creators and memory keepers. Reddit

The museum's size is deceiving; it can take up to two hours to fully explore and read all the descriptions and engage with the interactive content. Reddit

Indeed! The museum offers QR codes that link to videos providing further explanations and context for the exhibits, enhancing the learning experience. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a fantastic destination for science nerds and anyone interested in human osteology, medical history, and anatomy. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography and videography are permitted within The Bone Museum, allowing visitors to capture the unique exhibits. Reddit

While generally allowed, it's always a good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography if it might disturb them or the exhibits. Reddit

Many visitors find the detailed skeletal displays, especially those showcasing pathologies or historical context, to be highly photogenic. The museum cat, Bone Jovi, is also a popular subject! TikTokReddit

Absolutely! Your smartphone is perfect for capturing the fascinating displays and sharing your experience on social media. TikTok

The open-air exhibits allow for close-up inspection and photography, making it easy to get detailed shots of the specimens. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Bone Museum offers a unique educational experience for families. While the subject matter is bones, the interactive QR codes and engaging displays can capture children's curiosity about science and history. It's a less crowded alternative to larger, more touristy museums, allowing for a more relaxed visit. Reddit

Consider discussing the exhibits beforehand to gauge your child's comfort level. The museum's friendly staff are also available to answer questions, making it a great place for curious young minds to learn about anatomy and medical history in a fascinating way. Reddit

🔬 Science Enthusiasts & Students

For those with a passion for science, particularly anatomy and osteology, The Bone Museum is a must-visit. The extensive collection of real human bones, including examples of pathologies and traumas, provides invaluable learning opportunities. TikTokReddit Students of forensic anthropology or medicine will find the detailed displays particularly insightful. Reddit

The interactive QR code videos offer supplementary information that can deepen understanding, and the knowledgeable staff are on hand to answer complex questions. Reddit+1 It's an excellent destination for research, study, or simply indulging a deep interest in the human skeletal system and its history. TikTok

📸 Content Creators & Photographers

The Bone Museum is a photographer's dream, offering a wealth of unique and visually striking subjects. Photography and videography are permitted, allowing you to capture detailed shots of the skeletal specimens, historical artifacts, and even the charming resident cat, Bone Jovi. Reddit+1 The open-air exhibits make it easy to get close-up shots, and the informative descriptions provide context for your visuals. Reddit

This museum provides a distinct alternative to typical tourist photo spots, offering content that is both educational and visually compelling. Whether you're creating content for social media or building a portfolio, The Bone Museum offers a truly original backdrop. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Stories Within the Skeletons

The Bone Museum isn't just about displaying bones; it's about telling the stories they hold. Each skeleton can reveal a lifetime of experiences, from medical conditions to societal practices. For instance, one exhibit showcases a skeleton exhibiting signs of tight-lace corset wearing, a practice common in the Victorian era, offering a tangible link to historical fashion and its physical impact. TikTok Other displays highlight the effects of diseases like Pott's disease (spinal tuberculosis), which causes distinct spinal deformities, or syphilis, known for causing 'saber shin.' TikTok+1

These exhibits go beyond simple anatomy, delving into the history of medicine and public health. The museum actively works to trace the origins of its specimens, sometimes referencing old medical supply catalogs to understand the timeline of the medical bone trade. TikTok This dedication to provenance and historical context transforms the visit from a mere viewing of bones into an educational journey through human history and the evolution of medical understanding. Reddit

Interactive Learning and Community

The Bone Museum enhances the visitor experience through interactive elements and a welcoming community atmosphere. Many exhibits are accompanied by QR codes that, when scanned with a smartphone, provide access to videos offering deeper insights and explanations. This digital integration caters to different learning styles and allows visitors to explore topics at their own pace. Reddit

Beyond the exhibits, the museum fosters a sense of community. The staff are noted for their friendliness and willingness to share additional information, making the experience more personal and engaging. Reddit A unique highlight for many is Bone Jovi, the museum's resident cat, who often makes appearances and has become a beloved mascot. TikTokReddit This blend of educational content and charming resident creates a memorable and approachable environment, even for those who might initially find the subject matter daunting. TikTok