Inside India's One-Of-A-Kind Brain Museum, Located In Bengaluru

Did you know Bengaluru is home to a one-of-a-kind brain museum? Replete with brain specimens, this unique place in the Garden City is wowing visitors with its collection of human brain samples, live neuroanatomy demonstrations and guided tours.The Neuropathology Brain Museum at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru has a collection of over 400 brain specimens meticulously assembled over 40 years.The brainchild (pun intended) of Dr S K Shankar, a professor and head of the Department of Neuropathology at NIMHANS who also established the Human Brain Bank, the museum has played an integral role in supporting neuroscience research in the country. In fact, Shankar and his team sought to establish this museum to remove the stigma that’s associated with neuropsychiatric illness and encourage organ donation through educational tours. NIMHANS Neuropathology Brain Museum In BengaluruThe museum’s launch was made possible after 30 years of dedicated brain donation efforts by Shankar and his team, who gained interesting insights that even conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans couldn’t reveal during their autopsy work.At first, the brain specimens they gathered were used for educational purposes for medical students. Later, it was decided to share this fascinating knowledge with the general public.The three-hour tour starts in a tiny classroom adjoining the museum. The neuropathology department staff explain the brain's functions and allow visitors to touch and feel the brain on request. (The organ is hardened due to preservation, so don’t expect it to be squishy!) The actual brain museum is a big, white room lined with shelves displaying transparent cases containing all kinds of brains, including those of chickens, rats, ducks and cows, among others.As you head deeper into the museum’s bowels, you will see foetal specimens and trace the beginning of brain development in humans, including those who tragically failed to develop a brain at all—a condition called anencephaly. This is followed by a collection of brains that have been riddled with conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and cerebral palsy. Others are of accident victims and those who died due to amoeba infections and tapeworms.Beyond Just BrainsThis unique museum in Bengaluru's added attractions include specimens of smokers’ lungs, the voice box, intestines and human skeletons. Your guide can also show you micrographs of nerve cells and organelles.The tour finally ends with a public education display on brain facts, brain disorders and handy tips for maintaining a healthy brain.Booking A Visit To The Neuropathology Brain MuseumWhile entry to the museum is free, contact the Neuropathology Brain Museum at nimhansbrainmuseum@gmail.com to confirm opening times, as the internet suggests differing hours. According to the official website, the museum remains closed on all second Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.Visitors are not permitted to use their cameras, and mobile phones must remain in silent mode throughout the visit.The museum accepts monetary donations from individuals and companies as it hopes to transform itself into one of the world’s top neuroscience institutions.Address: NIMHANS, Hosur Main Road, Sattar Layout, Lakkasandra, Laljinagar, Wilson Garden, Bengaluru 560029Nearby Places to SeeThe Neuropathology Brain Museum's location within the NIMHANS campus in Bengaluru offers convenient access to several other points of interest in the city. A short distance away lies the sprawling and verdant Lalbagh Botanical Garden, a haven for plant enthusiasts and a place for peaceful strolls. History buffs can explore Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, showcasing the architectural style of the era, and the remnants of the Bangalore Fort. For those with an interest in science and technology, the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum provides interactive exhibits. Art lovers can visit the National Gallery of Modern Art to appreciate Indian contemporary art. The nearby Forum Mall in Koramangala offers a wide range of shopping and entertainment options, while St. John's Auditorium frequently hosts cultural performances. Take A Musical Break At This Unique Bengaluru Museum