Camera Obscura – Light and Shade

Photos and Films from „The Collections at Semmelweis Museum Budapest”

Abstract

The photography collection of our museum is significant on the field of medical-, culturaland scientific history. The earliest pieces date back to the second half of the 19th century. The basic elements of the compilation were put together by the Medical Association around the first half of the 20th century. The collection is remarkably manifold: a significant portrait collection, numerous photographed illustrations of diseases, diverse albums, pageants. The special events of many health institutions – represented by numerous pictures – are also collected in the compilation. The private collections and micro-historical photos gain importance nowadays. The exploration of these is still to come. The museum gives high importance to the safekeeping of new and old photos equally. The digitalization helps the exact and quick search in the archive and saves the photos moreover.