The Medical History Museum Hamburg presents the ups and downs of the history of medicine from the past 150 years. In addition to the authentically restored autopsy room from 1926, the museum exhibits the rise of microscopy, the importance of nursing and the development of imaging techniques for the preparation of complex therapeutic interventions. The museum has acquired numerous scientific collections in recent years. Alongside the collection of dermatological moulages, the collections from the ear, nose and throat clinic, from neuropathology and from the field of medical technology are of great historical value. As a counterpart to the scientific objects, the museum also collects evidence from the social history of medicine. It is through this that the developments in medicine can be experienced.

Moulages are wax reproductions of disease symptoms on the skin. Since the 19th century they have been used as teaching aids in medicine. They are based on plaster casts taken from patients. These negative moulds were poured with a special wax mixture by the moulage makers and coloured in the presence of the patients. With around 600 pieces, the Medical History Museum has one of the largest collections of moulages in the German-speaking world. In 2008 the collection was taken over by the University Dermatological Clinic. Around 50 pieces can be seen in the museum's exhibitions. The history of the collection's delivery and use is the focus of a historical scientific study. The objects are also still available for teaching purposes.