The Pathology Museum was founded in 1907 by Dr. R.D. Keith, who held the position of Assistant Pathologist to Dr. G.A. Finlayson, the first Government Pathologist. The museum commenced with a collection of 160 specimens, and over the years, more than 100 specimens were added.

In 1910, the collection was relocated to the newly constructed Tan Teck Guan Building, a donation from Mr. Tan Chay Yan in memory of his father. The displayed specimens consisted of organs exhibiting morbid pathology, which were collected during post-mortem examinations and preserved, sealed in fixative containing jars. Under the management of the Medical School at the National University of Singapore (NUS), the collection expanded significantly, particularly under the guidance of Professor Shanmugaratnam s/o Sittampalam, recognized as Singapore’s ‘father of Pathology.’

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the Pathology Museum was situated within the National University Hospital (NUH), specifically in the Department of Pathology. At its peak, the museum exceeded a collection of over 5,000 specimens.

Currently, these specimens have been relocated to the NUS School of Medicine, where they are now housed in the Pathology Museum located in Seminar Room M10.

The Pathology Museum also functions as an educational facility, accommodating classes of up to 40 students, with the specimens displayed along the walls to enhance the learning experience.