Opened first in the world museum of the eye

PLX Academy · News · 05 February 2022

museum of the eye

museum of the eye

„Truhlsen – Marmor – Museum of the Eye” was recently opened by the American Academy of Ophthalmology in San Francisco.  It is the only free public museum in the world dedicated to the science of vision.

“This new center will welcome visitors from all around the world and will provide unique, interactive opportunities, to learn about the science and history of our most treasured sense—our vision. I want to wish the Academy the greatest success”, Mayor London Breed said.

This was the Academy Foundation’s largest fundraising effort to date, surpassing the original funding goal of $12 million, and ensuring free admission to the public. The three-year donation campaign was led by prominent leaders in ophthalmology, Stanley M. Truhlsen, MD, and Michael F. Marmor, MD. The Museum of the Eye was named in their honor – Marmor.

Drawing on a rotating collection of  38,000 artifacts, the museum features:

→ A large-scale eye model, with a digital pupil and hidden camera. Guests will see, how the eye and brain work together to view the world around us;

→ Hands-on learning activities, including virtual-reality headsets;

→ Optical illusions and explainers on common topics, ranging from blind spots to colorblindness;

→ Historical artifacts, across centuries, including models and eyelashes, the evolution of eyeglasses, surgical tools, and examination room equipment;

→ Exhibits exploring leading eye health concerns, such as retinal diseases, cataracts and glaucoma.

The Museum of the Eye is located in the Fisherman’s Wharf, a neighborhood of San Francisco. Admission is free and currently open to the public from Thursdays to Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time.

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