A Fantastical Medical Bestiary

A Fantastical Medical Bestiary
Now on Display — October 2025 through Spring 2026
Museum of Health Care, 32 George Street, Kingston, ON
Category: Misc

Enter a realm where myth and medicine intertwine. A Fantastical Medical Bestiary is the Museum of Health Care’s newest exhibit — an imaginative and thought-provoking exploration of how fantastical creatures once played a very real role in the world of healing.

From unicorns and mermaids to dragons and beyond, this exhibit reveals the fascinating ways in which mythical animals were once taken seriously by healers, apothecaries, and scholars. Drawing on historical artifacts, archival texts, and rare illustrations, visitors will discover how these creatures were not only believed to exist, but were also credited with powerful medicinal properties.

Was dragon’s blood a real remedy? Could unicorn horn powder cure disease? And why did so many early medical advertisements include nods to mythical beasts? A Fantastical Medical Bestiary dives into these curious questions, tracing how belief, folklore, and scientific thought collided across centuries of medical history.

Presented with the support of the W.D. Jordan Rare Books and Special Collections at Queen’s University, this exhibit brings together objects from the museum’s collection alongside stunning archival images, offering a magical glimpse into the ever-evolving relationship between medicine and mythology.

Whether you’re a history buff, a fantasy lover, or simply someone with a curious mind, this exhibit offers something to enchant and enlighten.

On view through Spring 2026
Plan your visit today and see medicine through a much more magical lens.

Museum Hours
Summer Hours (May–October):
Monday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Fall & Winter Hours (November–April):
Monday–Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday–Sunday: Closed