The mission of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia is to “advance the cause of health while upholding the ideals and heritage of medicine.” The Mütter Museum, with support from the Historical Medical Library, advances the College mission through its own stated mission to engender curiosity and knowledge about the body and health, and to increase the understanding of medicine in its cultural and historic context.

Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine issued “Stay at Home” orders to Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Monroe, Montgomery, and Philadelphia, effective beginning 8PM on Monday, March 23, 2020. On Thursday, May 7, 2020, that order was extended to Thursday, June 4, 2020.

This site documents the College’s reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning with its closure effective end of day Thursday, March 12, 2020. New content will be added frequently up through March 2021.

How has the College communicated this closure? How has it continued to engage its audience during the stay-at-home order issued by Governor Tom Wolf? How can people continue to ‘visit’ its collections while staying home?

These are some of the questions this exhibit can answer. Visitors can read our email updates, find links to interact with us on social media, take virtual tours of the Mütter Museum, explore the Historical Medical Library’s digital collections, and watch recorded virtual events. Articles and interviews written by, or about, our Fellows and staff give additional context to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Philadelphia area.

So sit back and engage with your favorite “Disturbingly Informative” institution from the comfort of your own home!