1 / 3The Bone Museum
📍 Brooklyn, NY
Basement museum in Brooklyn near Morgan L train featuring the largest collection of human osteology on public display in the US, including the world's largest public collection of human spinal columns. Interactive QR codes supplement every exhibit.
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.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for science-curious families with school-age children who are comfortable with educational content about human anatomy. The exhibits treat their subject with clear respect and historical context — the tone is academic rather than macabre. Younger children who can read or engage with video QR codes will get the most from the collection.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →856 Google reviews
SaturnBoy
5 months ago
“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.”
Kelley Warner
2 months ago
“The staff is super polite and the museum is so cool! It is small and if you want to read everything like I did, I was in here for a little over an hour. Also stop in the gift shop and see all the cute little gifts they have. My son is seven and loves anatomy and skeletons and I found the super cool human skeleton builder set that was very reasonably priced. They also have Squishmallows and a spine stuffy that actually snaps and makes bone cracking sounds. This is the only museum gift store. I actually spent money in. Everything is so unique in there!”
D B
4 months ago
“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!”
Lisa Unterman
a month ago
“I absolutely loved visiting this museum! The staff was so kind and lovely to speak with! I mentioned to the man at the gift shop that I never got to meet the cat Bone Jovi and he brought me right to him. I absolutely love this museum and will be returning with friends!”
Reviews from Google
Overview
The Bone Museum displays retired 19th and 20th century medical specimens across exhibits covering cranial development, pathologies, traumas, and the history of the medical bone trade. QR codes throughout the museum link to video explanations for visitors who prefer to watch rather than read. Staff are knowledgeable and actively engage with visitors. Resident cat Bone Jovi makes appearances. A gift shop with anatomy-themed items is on-site. Plan for 1–2 hours if reading all exhibit labels.
